US Bridges

US 59 over Walnut Creek

Good

Fremont County, Iowa · 2.2 Mi. N of Jct. SR J-14 · Structure no. 000000000025241

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,520
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Walnut Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Walnut Creek in Fremont County, Iowa. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,520 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,520 by 2043. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location2.2 Mi. N of Jct. SR J-14
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateIowa
Coordinates40.88898, -95.38796
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,520 (2023)
Projected traffic1,520 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Walnut Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Walnut Creek carry?

About 1,520 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.