US Bridges

US 71 over Willow Creek

Fair

Clay County, Iowa · 3.4 Mi. N of N JCT Ia 10 · Structure no. 000000000020390

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
71 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,940
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Willow Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 71 over Willow Creek in Clay County, Iowa. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 102 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.

It carries about 3,940 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,940 by 2044. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 71
CrossesWillow Creek
Location3.4 Mi. N of N JCT Ia 10
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyClay County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.97247, -95.1614
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,940 (2022)
Projected traffic3,940 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US 71 over Willow 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Willow Creek carry?

About 3,940 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.