US Bridges

I-80 over Bear Creek

Good

Dallas County, Iowa · 1.1 Mi. W of Jct. SR P-57 · Structure no. 000000000022220

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
29,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-80 over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-80 over Bear Creek in Dallas County, Iowa. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 29,500 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,500 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesI-80
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.1 Mi. W of Jct. SR P-57
RouteInterstate 80
StateIowa
Coordinates41.51765, -94.14283
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating99.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,500 (2022)
Projected traffic29,500 by 2044
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-80 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-80 over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does I-80 over Bear Creek carry?

About 29,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is I-80 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-80 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.