US Bridges

L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch

Fair

Harrison County, Iowa · 079441402 · Structure no. 000000000027890

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
767
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch in Harrison County, Iowa. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 767 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 767 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesL20 Loess Hills
CrossesBellville Ditch
Location079441402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarrison County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.66039, -95.92997
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.4 US tons
Inventory rating50.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic767 (2022)
Projected traffic767 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch carry?

About 767 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns L20 Loess Hills over Bellville Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.