US Bridges

Local W Ave. over Pitcher Creek

PoorPosted for load

Cherokee County, Iowa · 091393502 · Structure no. 000000000108010

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local W Ave. over Pitcher Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local W Ave. over Pitcher Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal W Ave.
CrossesPitcher Creek
Location091393502
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.65627, -95.42739
Functional classRural Local

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating33.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$594,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local W Ave. over Pitcher Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local W Ave. over Pitcher 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Local W Ave. over Pitcher Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local W Ave. over Pitcher Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local W Ave. over Pitcher Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.