US Bridges

Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek

PoorPosted for load

Henry County, Iowa · 073072807 · Structure no. 000000000181600

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Road
CrossesBranch Sugar Creek
Location073072807
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.09121, -91.67197
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating11.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over Branch Sugar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.