US Bridges

US 52 over Mill Creek

Good

Clayton County, Iowa · 0.5 Mi. S of S.R. C9Y · Structure no. 000000000020521

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,780
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Mill Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 52 over Mill Creek in Clayton County, Iowa. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,780 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,780 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

CarriesUS 52
CrossesMill Creek
Location0.5 Mi. S of S.R. C9Y
RouteU.S. Route 52
StateIowa
Coordinates42.69323, -91.07372
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.7 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,780 (2022)
Projected traffic2,780 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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 52 over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 over Mill Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does US 52 over Mill Creek carry?

About 2,780 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Mill Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 52 over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.