US Bridges

C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River

Fair

Cherokee County, Iowa · 092403509 · Structure no. 000000000019561

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
507 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,547
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,547 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,547 by 2043. The structure is 507 ft (154.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesC38/OLD 977
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location092403509
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.74913, -95.5358
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating95.1 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length507 ft (154.5 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,547 (2022)
Projected traffic1,547 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$225,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River carry?

About 1,547 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 507 ft (154.5 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns C38/OLD 977 over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.