US Bridges

Middle Road over Spring Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Des Moines County, Iowa · Approx. 7000 E. of Rd. H · Structure no. DAPAMCIOW005411

Built
1910
115 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2014
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2014 count
Owner
Federal
Army

About this bridge

Middle Road over Spring Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Middle Road over Spring Creek in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1910, so it is 115 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2036. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 17 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMiddle Road
CrossesSpring Creek
LocationApprox. 7000 E. of Rd. H
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.78169, -91.19274
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2014
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating18.3 US tons
Inventory rating10.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2014)
Projected traffic10 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerArmy
Maintained byArmy
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Middle Road over Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025.

What condition is Middle Road over Spring 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 August 2014.

How much traffic does Middle Road over Spring Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Middle Road over Spring Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Middle Road over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the Army.