US Bridges

Local over S Elk Creek

Fair

Decatur County, Iowa · 068270903 · Structure no. 000000000137551

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
107 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over S Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over S Elk Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesS Elk Creek
Location068270903
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.70658, -93.96498
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating29.4 US tons
Inventory rating17.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 by 2043
Trucks0%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over S Elk Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over S 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Local over S Elk Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over S Elk Creek?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Local over S Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.