US Bridges

Hennepin RD over Elk Creek

PoorPosted for load

Clayton County, Iowa · 091040208 · Structure no. 000000000118310

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2022
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hennepin RD over Elk Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Hennepin RD over Elk Creek in Clayton County, Iowa. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 4 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2043. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHennepin RD
CrossesElk Creek
Location091040208
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClayton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.71901, -91.28952
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating22.3 US tons
Inventory rating14.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2022)
Projected traffic25 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hennepin RD over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hennepin RD over Elk 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Hennepin RD over Elk Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Hennepin RD over Elk Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Hennepin RD over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.