US Bridges

NB US 61 over Lost Creek

Fair

Lee County, Iowa · 2.4 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 16 · Structure no. 000000000033180

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US 61 over Lost Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB US 61 over Lost Creek in Lee County, Iowa. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 4,550 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,550 by 2043. The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNB US 61
CrossesLost Creek
Location2.4 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 16
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyLee County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.69364, -91.2468
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.4 US tons
Inventory rating40.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length203 ft (61.9 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,550 (2022)
Projected traffic4,550 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 NB US 61 over Lost Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB US 61 over Lost 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does NB US 61 over Lost Creek carry?

About 4,550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is NB US 61 over Lost Creek?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NB US 61 over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.