US Bridges

Local over Bear Creek

Fair

Hardin County, Iowa · 087192402 · Structure no. 000000000175291

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Local over Bear Creek in Hardin County, Iowa. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBear Creek
Location087192402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHardin County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.33093, -93.02157
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$30,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Bear Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Bear Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.