US Bridges

Local Road over Hefferman Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lyon County, Iowa · 098473301 · Structure no. 000000000229200

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
46
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Road over Hefferman Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Road over Hefferman Creek in Lyon County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 46 by 2044. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesLocal Road
CrossesHefferman Creek
Location098473301
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates43.27286, -96.40239
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating24.8 US tons
Inventory rating20.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2022)
Projected traffic46 by 2044
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Road over Hefferman Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Road over Hefferman 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Local Road over Hefferman Creek carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Road over Hefferman Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over Hefferman Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.