US Bridges

550th ST over Fiddle Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Iowa · 091420801 · Structure no. 000000000108500

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

550th ST over Fiddle Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 550th ST over Fiddle Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 71 years old, older 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries550th ST
CrossesFiddle Creek
Location091420801
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.72127, -95.82894
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 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$889,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 550th ST over Fiddle Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is 550th ST over Fiddle Creek 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 550th ST over Fiddle Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 550th ST over Fiddle Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns 550th ST over Fiddle Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.