US Bridges

Local over Otter CR

PoorPosted for load

Louisa County, Iowa · 073040103 · Structure no. 000000000223770

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Otter CR is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Otter CR in Louisa County, Iowa. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 16 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2043. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesOtter CR
Location073040103
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLouisa County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.15407, -91.26215
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.1 US tons
Inventory rating12.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16 (2022)
Projected traffic16 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$990,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Otter CR built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Otter CR 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Otter CR carry?

About 16 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Otter CR?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Otter CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.