US Bridges

County Road over Branch Panther Creek

FairPosted for load

Dallas County, Iowa · 079282702 · Structure no. 000000000131770

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
62
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Branch Panther Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road over Branch Panther Creek in Dallas County, Iowa. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 77 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 62 vehicles a day, projected to reach 62 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road
CrossesBranch Panther Creek
Location079282702
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDallas County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.61965, -94.10561
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2022)
Projected traffic62 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$350,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Branch Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is County Road over Branch Panther 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does County Road over Branch Panther Creek carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road over Branch Panther Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Branch Panther Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.