US Bridges

Local over Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 069272803 · Structure no. 000000000138420

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
62
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Elk Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older 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 62 vehicles a day, projected to reach 62 by 2042. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesElk Creek
Location069272803
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.74248, -93.95994
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2022)
Projected traffic62 by 2042
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 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does Local over Elk Creek carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Elk Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.