US Bridges

W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River

Fair

Henry County, Iowa · 071072408 · Structure no. 000000000180690

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
524 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,570
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River in Henry 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 6 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 1,570 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,570 by 2043. The structure is 524 ft (159.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW55 Franklin Ave
CrossesSkunk River
Location071072408
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.93542, -91.61936
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length524 ft (159.7 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,570 (2022)
Projected traffic1,570 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River built?

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

What condition is W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River 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 2023.

How much traffic does W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River carry?

About 1,570 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River?

The structure is 524 ft (159.7 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns W55 Franklin Ave over Skunk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.