US Bridges

Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Linn County, Iowa · 085051302 · Structure no. 000000000221940

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
243 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
49
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo Creek in Linn County, Iowa. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 49 by 2044. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFrozen Hill RD
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location085051302
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLinn County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.17526, -91.38397
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length243 ft (74.1 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (2022)
Projected traffic49 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo 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 2024.

How much traffic does Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 49 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Frozen Hill RD over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.