US Bridges

Local RD over Wolf Creek

PoorPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 070261104 · Structure no. 000000000138811

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local RD over Wolf Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local RD over Wolf Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2043. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal RD
CrossesWolf Creek
Location070261104
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.8821, -93.82451
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.3 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$812,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local RD over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local RD over Wolf 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 RD over Wolf Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local RD over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Local RD over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.