US Bridges

Hornet RD over Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Clayton County, Iowa · 092043303 · Structure no. 000000000118940

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
73
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hornet RD over Bear Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Hornet RD over Bear Creek in Clayton County, Iowa. It was built in 1923, 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 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 73 vehicles a day, projected to reach 73 by 2043. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHornet RD
CrossesBear Creek
Location092043303
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClayton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.73704, -91.32466
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating20.8 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 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 (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic73 (2022)
Projected traffic73 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Hornet RD over Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is Hornet RD over Bear 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Hornet RD over Bear Creek carry?

About 73 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Hornet RD over Bear 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 Hornet RD over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.