US Bridges

US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR

Fair

Lee County, Iowa · 1.8 Mi. E of JCT US 61 · Structure no. 000000000033195

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
471 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,220
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR in Lee County, Iowa. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 3,220 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,220 by 2043. The structure is 471 ft (143.6 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 136
CrossesSoap Creek & BNSF RR
Location1.8 Mi. E of JCT US 61
RouteU.S. Route 136
CountyLee County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.3916, -91.39509
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating73.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length471 ft (143.6 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,220 (2022)
Projected traffic3,220 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR 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 US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR carry?

About 3,220 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR?

The structure is 471 ft (143.6 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 136 over Soap Creek & BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.