US Bridges

US 71 over Br of Little Meadow Crk

Fair

Clay County, Iowa · 0.8 Mi. N of N Jct. US 18 · Structure no. 000000000606065

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Br of Little Meadow Crk is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 71 over Br of Little Meadow Crk in Clay County, Iowa. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 6 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 11,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,400 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesBr of Little Meadow Crk
Location0.8 Mi. N of N Jct. US 18
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates43.19568, -95.15012
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,400 (2022)
Projected traffic11,400 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 Br of Little Meadow Crk built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Br of Little Meadow Crk 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Br of Little Meadow Crk carry?

About 11,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Br of Little Meadow Crk?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 71 over Br of Little Meadow Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.