US Bridges

20th St. over E Buffalo Creek

PoorPosted for load

Fayette County, Iowa · 091083301 · Structure no. 000000000149570

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

20th St. over E Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying 20th St. over E Buffalo Creek in Fayette 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 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 load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries20th St.
CrossesE Buffalo Creek
Location091083301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFayette County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.65803, -91.79155
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.1 US tons
Inventory rating14.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2022)
Projected traffic25 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$450,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 20th St. over E Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is 20th St. over E Buffalo 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does 20th St. over E Buffalo Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 20th St. over E Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns 20th St. over E Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.