US Bridges

Bear Rd. over Mink Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Iowa · 093072303 · Structure no. 000000000151020

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
58 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
33
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bear Rd. over Mink Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bear Rd. over Mink Creek in Fayette County, Iowa. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 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.

It carries about 33 vehicles a day, projected to reach 33 by 2043. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBear Rd.
CrossesMink Creek
Location093072303
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFayette County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.86199, -91.63877
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33 (2022)
Projected traffic33 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$130,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bear Rd. over Mink Creek built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bear Rd. over Mink 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Bear Rd. over Mink Creek carry?

About 33 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Bear Rd. over Mink Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Bear Rd. over Mink Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.