US Bridges

Local over Chariton River

Poor

Lucas County, Iowa · 071220203 · Structure no. 000000000225600

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
99 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Chariton River is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Chariton River in Lucas County, Iowa. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 0 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: open, temporary structure in place while original is closed.

It carries about 16 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2043. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesChariton River
Location071220203
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLucas County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.98545, -93.35512
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, temporary structure in place while original is closed
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16 (2022)
Projected traffic16 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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Local over Chariton River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Chariton River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Chariton River carry?

About 16 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Chariton River?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Chariton River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.