US Bridges

185th ST over Volga River

PoorPosted for load

Fayette County, Iowa · 093100205 · Structure no. 000000000151620

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
51 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

185th ST over Volga River is a concrete tee beam carrying 185th ST over Volga River 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 51 ft (15.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries185th ST
CrossesVolga River
Location093100205
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFayette County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.89836, -92.00049
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$140,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 185th ST over Volga River built?

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

What condition is 185th ST over Volga River 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 185th ST over Volga River carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 185th ST over Volga River?

The structure is 51 ft (15.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns 185th ST over Volga River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.