US Bridges

Local over W. Fork Big Creek

Poor

Decatur County, Iowa · 068273101 · Structure no. 000000000137690

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over W. Fork Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over W. Fork Big Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesW. Fork Big Creek
Location068273101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.65284, -94.00682
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 closed5 mi (8 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 W. Fork Big Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over W. Fork Big 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 W. Fork Big Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over W. Fork Big Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Local over W. Fork Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.