US Bridges

Local over Carruthers Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lucas County, Iowa · 073201202 · Structure no. 000000000226891

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Carruthers Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Carruthers Creek in Lucas County, Iowa. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesCarruthers Creek
Location073201202
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.14224, -93.11762
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionNovember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic30 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Carruthers Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Carruthers 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Carruthers Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Carruthers Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Carruthers Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.