US Bridges

Local over Small Creek

PoorPosted for load

Clarke County, Iowa · 072251103 · Structure no. 000000000114570

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Small Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Small Creek in Clarke County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1995, 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 3 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 2044. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesSmall Creek
Location072251103
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.05249, -93.70733
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$554,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Small Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Local over Small 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Small Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Small Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Small Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.