US Bridges

Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR

PoorPosted for load

Mills County, Iowa · 071421803 · Structure no. 000000000245281

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
121 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR is a steel truss - thru carrying Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR in Mills County, Iowa. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 3 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLcl-Pathfield
CrossesWaubonsie CR
Location071421803
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMills County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.94536, -95.71922
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating13.6 US tons
Inventory rating8.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2021)
Projected traffic20 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 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 Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Lcl-Pathfield over Waubonsie CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.