US Bridges

Local over Ballinger Creek

Fair

Mahaska County, Iowa · 077173608 · Structure no. 000000000238600

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Ballinger Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Ballinger Creek in Mahaska County, Iowa. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 70 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2045. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBallinger Creek
Location077173608
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMahaska County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.42806, -92.76113
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.4 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2045
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 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 Ballinger Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Local over Ballinger 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Local over Ballinger Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Ballinger Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Ballinger Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.