US Bridges

Local over Bluff Creek

PoorPosted for load

Mahaska County, Iowa · 074172402 · Structure no. 000000000236060

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Bluff Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Bluff Creek in Mahaska County, Iowa. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBluff Creek
Location074172402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMahaska County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.19646, -92.77432
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 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 Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Bluff 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Bluff Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.