US Bridges

J 40 over Small Natural Stream

Fair

Lee County, Iowa · 068041904 · Structure no. 000000000033380

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

J 40 over Small Natural Stream is a concrete continuous culvert carrying J 40 over Small Natural Stream in Lee County, Iowa. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 94 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,300 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJ 40
CrossesSmall Natural Stream
Location068041904
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLee County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.67269, -91.36168
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2022)
Projected traffic2,300 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 J 40 over Small Natural Stream built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is J 40 over Small Natural Stream 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does J 40 over Small Natural Stream carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is J 40 over Small Natural Stream?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns J 40 over Small Natural Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.