US Bridges

Creek Branch Lane over Prairie Creek

PoorPosted for load

Dubuque County, Iowa · 087E23105 · Structure no. 000000000145870

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
114 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Creek Branch Lane over Prairie Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Creek Branch Lane over Prairie Creek in Dubuque County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 3 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 load restriction.

It carries about 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 15 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCreek Branch Lane
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location087E23105
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDubuque County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.30397, -90.78085
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating17.1 US tons
Inventory rating11.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 by 2043
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on 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 Creek Branch Lane over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Creek Branch Lane over Prairie 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 2023.

How much traffic does Creek Branch Lane over Prairie Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Creek Branch Lane over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Creek Branch Lane over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.