US Bridges

Local over Steel Creek

FairPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 069243603 · Structure no. 000000000137851

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
135 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Steel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Steel Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2042. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSteel Creek
Location069243603
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.73976, -93.57043
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Steel Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Steel 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 2022.

How much traffic does Local over Steel Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Steel Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Steel Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.