US Bridges

Horseshoe RD over Elk Creek

Fair

Clayton County, Iowa · 091042607 · Structure no. 000000000118440

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
110 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
79
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Horseshoe RD over Elk Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Horseshoe RD over Elk Creek in Clayton County, Iowa. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 79 vehicles a day, projected to reach 79 by 2043. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHorseshoe RD
CrossesElk Creek
Location091042607
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClayton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.66725, -91.27938
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic79 (2022)
Projected traffic79 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Horseshoe RD over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Horseshoe RD over Elk 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Horseshoe RD over Elk Creek carry?

About 79 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Horseshoe RD over Elk Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Horseshoe RD over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.