US Bridges

Local Road over West Rat Creek

Fair

Lyon County, Iowa · 098432201 · Structure no. 000000000228060

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Road over West Rat Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Road over West Rat Creek in Lyon County, Iowa. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Road
CrossesWest Rat Creek
Location098432201
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLyon County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.30156, -95.91307
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 by 2043
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Road over West Rat Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Road over West Rat 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Local Road over West Rat Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Road over West Rat Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over West Rat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.