US Bridges

Ia 21 over South Skunk River

Fair

Keokuk County, Iowa · 1.0 Mi. S of SR G-48 · Structure no. 000000000211161

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
482 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
630
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 21 over South Skunk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 21 over South Skunk River in Keokuk County, Iowa. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 630 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 630 by 2044. The structure is 482 ft (146.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

CarriesIa 21
CrossesSouth Skunk River
Location1.0 Mi. S of SR G-48
RouteState Highway 21
StateIowa
Coordinates41.26372, -92.34292
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88.6 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length482 ft (146.9 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic630 (2022)
Projected traffic630 by 2044
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 21 over South Skunk River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 21 over South 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 21 over South Skunk River carry?

About 630 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Ia 21 over South Skunk River?

The structure is 482 ft (146.9 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 21 over South Skunk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.