US Bridges

Local over Small Ditch

FairPosted for load

Clayton County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000504025

Built
1908
117 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Small Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Small Ditch in Clayton County, Iowa. It was built in 1908 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 117 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, projected to reach 180 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSmall Ditch
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyClayton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.90108, -91.15187
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2022)
Projected traffic180 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Local over Small Ditch built?

It was built in 1908, making it 117 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Local over Small Ditch 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does Local over Small Ditch carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Small Ditch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Small Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.