US Bridges

LOCAL-490th ST over Maple River

PoorPosted for load

Cherokee County, Iowa · 092391201 · Structure no. 000000000108720

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

LOCAL-490th ST over Maple River is a steel truss - thru carrying LOCAL-490th ST over Maple River in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1940, so it is 125 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 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-490th ST
CrossesMaple River
Location092391201
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.80669, -95.399
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.5 US tons
Inventory rating11.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LOCAL-490th ST over Maple River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is LOCAL-490th ST over Maple River 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-490th ST over Maple River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is LOCAL-490th ST over Maple River?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns LOCAL-490th ST over Maple River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.