US Bridges

Local over Bluff Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Mahaska County, Iowa · 074172706 · Structure no. 000000000236105

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
56 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Bluff Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Bluff Creek in Mahaska County, Iowa. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBluff Creek
Location074172706
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMahaska County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.17599, -92.81224
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 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 closed98.8 mi (159 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 1973, making it 52 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 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Bluff Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.