US Bridges

Ia 2 over Elk Creek

Fair

Decatur County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. W of SR R18 · Structure no. 000000000022671

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
175 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,350
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 2 over Elk Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 2 over Elk Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 1,350 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,350 by 2044. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 2
CrossesElk Creek
Location0.3 Mi. W of SR R18
RouteState Highway 2
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.72956, -93.94486
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.7 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,350 (2022)
Projected traffic1,350 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 2 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 2 over Elk 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 2 over Elk Creek carry?

About 1,350 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Ia 2 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 2 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.