US Bridges

Local over Bear Creek

Poor

Dallas County, Iowa · 365th 0.67 Mi. W. of Knox · Structure no. 000000000131370

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Bear Creek is a steel culvert carrying Local over Bear Creek in Dallas County, Iowa. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBear Creek
Location365th 0.67 Mi. W. of Knox
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDallas County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.51032, -94.09312
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2022)
Projected traffic180 by 2043
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Local over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Bear Creek carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is Local over Bear Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m).

Who owns Local over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.