US Bridges

Local K Ave over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Iowa · 093412302 · Structure no. 000000000109800

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local K Ave over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local K Ave over Bear Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 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 K Ave
CrossesBear Creek
Location093412302
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.85501, -95.66182
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic30 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$475,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local K Ave over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local K Ave over Bear 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 Local K Ave over Bear Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local K Ave over Bear Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local K Ave over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.