US Bridges

Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek

PoorPosted for load

Linn County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000220880

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
118 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
130
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek in Linn County, Iowa. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 130 vehicles a day, projected to reach 130 by 2043. The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig Creek Rd.
CrossesBig Creek
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLinn County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.95625, -91.52679
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating9.9 US tons
Inventory rating7.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length118 ft (36 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2021)
Projected traffic130 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek?

The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Big Creek Rd. over Big Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.