US Bridges

Ia 78 over Richland Creek

Fair

Keokuk County, Iowa · 5.6 Mi. E of Jct. Ia 149 · Structure no. 000000000032680

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,190
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 78 over Richland Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 78 over Richland Creek in Keokuk County, Iowa. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 1,190 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,190 by 2043. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 78
CrossesRichland Creek
Location5.6 Mi. E of Jct. Ia 149
RouteState Highway 78
CountyKeokuk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.17749, -92.10141
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
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.
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 within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,190 (2022)
Projected traffic1,190 by 2043
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 78 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 78 over Richland 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 78 over Richland Creek carry?

About 1,190 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is Ia 78 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 78 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.