US Bridges

Local Elm Ave over Staff CR

Fair

Howard County, Iowa · 100142602 · Structure no. 000000000184050

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Elm Ave over Staff CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Elm Ave over Staff CR in Howard County, Iowa. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 76 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 16 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2043. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Elm Ave
CrossesStaff CR
Location100142602
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHoward County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.44767, -92.47582
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16 (2022)
Projected traffic16 by 2043
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 Elm Ave over Staff CR built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Local Elm Ave over Staff CR 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 2023.

How much traffic does Local Elm Ave over Staff CR carry?

About 16 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Elm Ave over Staff CR?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local Elm Ave over Staff CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.