US Bridges

Local over Elk Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Decatur County, Iowa · 068260703 · Structure no. 000000000137290

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
202 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Elk Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Elk Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 104 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 0 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesElk Creek
Location068260703
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.70301, -93.90087
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is Local over Elk 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 Elk Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Elk Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.