US Bridges

Ia 39 over Otter Creek

Fair

Crawford County, Iowa · 5.6 Mi. N of Jct. US 59 · Structure no. 000000000021530

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
155 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,580
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 39 over Otter Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 39 over Otter Creek in Crawford County, Iowa. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 74 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 2,580 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,580 by 2044. The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 39
CrossesOtter Creek
Location5.6 Mi. N of Jct. US 59
RouteState Highway 39
CountyCrawford County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.09421, -95.32582
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.8 US tons
Inventory rating24.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length155 ft (47.2 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,580 (2022)
Projected traffic2,580 by 2044
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Ia 39 over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is Ia 39 over Otter 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 39 over Otter Creek carry?

About 2,580 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is Ia 39 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 39 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.