US Bridges

Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet

Good

Louisa County, Iowa · Sec 5 T74N R2W · Structure no. 000033620-03089

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Fish and Wildlife

About this bridge

Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet in Louisa County, Iowa. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 125 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLevee
CrossesLake Odessa Inlet
LocationSec 5 T74N R2W
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyLouisa County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.23267, -91.111
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck107 ft (32.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2023)
Projected traffic125 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Fish and Wildlife
Maintained byBureau of Fish and Wildlife
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 Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Levee over Lake Odessa Inlet?

It is owned by the Bureau of Fish and Wildlife.