US Bridges

Bluff Road over Stream

Fair

Fremont County, Iowa · 067420503 · Structure no. 000000000159040

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
249
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluff Road over Stream is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bluff Road over Stream in Fremont County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 249 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 249 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluff Road
CrossesStream
Location067420503
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFremont County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.65175, -95.69596
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic249 (2022)
Projected traffic249 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluff Road over Stream built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bluff Road over Stream 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Bluff Road over Stream carry?

About 249 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Bluff Road over Stream?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Bluff Road over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.