US Bridges

W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek

Poor

Cherokee County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000001960

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,529
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek is a concrete slab carrying W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,529 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,529 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Bluff ST
CrossesRailroad Creek
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.75513, -95.55411
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,529 (2021)
Projected traffic3,529 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$160,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek carry?

About 3,529 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns W Bluff ST over Railroad Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.