US Bridges

Local over Branch Bear Creek

Fair

Grundy County, Iowa · 087183202 · Structure no. 000000000164560

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
39
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Branch Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Branch Bear Creek in Grundy County, Iowa. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 71 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 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBranch Bear Creek
Location087183202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGrundy County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.30692, -92.98257
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating17.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (2022)
Projected traffic39 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Branch Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is Local over Branch Bear 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Branch Bear Creek carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Branch Bear Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Branch Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.