US Bridges

Ia 212 over Big Bear Creek

Fair

Iowa County, Iowa · 1.0 MI W of Jct. US 6 · Structure no. 000000000029631

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
472 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,310
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 212 over Big Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 212 over Big Bear Creek in Iowa 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 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 1,310 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,310 by 2043. The structure is 472 ft (143.9 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 212
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location1.0 MI W of Jct. US 6
RouteState Highway 212
CountyIowa County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.79704, -92.08558
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 22 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.5 US tons
Inventory rating42.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length472 ft (143.9 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,310 (2022)
Projected traffic1,310 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 212 over Big Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is Ia 212 over Big 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 212 over Big Bear Creek carry?

About 1,310 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ia 212 over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 472 ft (143.9 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 212 over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.