US Bridges

W.Charles ST over Otter Creek

FairPosted for load

Fayette County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000149695

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
184 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
571
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

W.Charles ST over Otter Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W.Charles ST over Otter Creek in Fayette County, Iowa. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 load restriction.

It carries about 571 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 571 by 2043. The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long and 24 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW.Charles ST
CrossesOtter Creek
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFayette County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.67835, -91.93788
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating19.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length184 ft (56.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic571 (2021)
Projected traffic571 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W.Charles ST over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is W.Charles ST over Otter 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does W.Charles ST over Otter Creek carry?

About 571 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is W.Charles ST over Otter Creek?

The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns W.Charles ST over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.