US Bridges

Local over Otter Creek

FairPosted for load

Clarke County, Iowa · 073241504 · Structure no. 000000000114960

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
152 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Otter Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Otter Creek in Clarke County, Iowa. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2043. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesOtter Creek
Location073241504
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClarke County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.11968, -93.61505
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 inspectionSeptember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.7 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Otter 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Otter Creek carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Otter Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.