US Bridges

Local over Bluff Creek

Fair

Mahaska County, Iowa · 074173303 · Structure no. 000000000236141

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
77 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Bluff Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Local over Bluff Creek in Mahaska County, Iowa. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, older 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBluff Creek
Location074173303
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMahaska County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.16208, -92.82127
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating40.8 US tons
Inventory rating24.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic60 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Bluff 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Bluff Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.