US Bridges

Local L Ave over Mill Creek

PoorPosted for load

Cherokee County, Iowa · 093410102 · Structure no. 000000000109700

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
103 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local L Ave over Mill Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local L Ave over Mill Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 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 L Ave
CrossesMill Creek
Location093410102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.89717, -95.64251
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local L Ave over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local L Ave over Mill 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Local L Ave over Mill Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local L Ave over Mill Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local L Ave over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.