US Bridges

WB US 34 over Pony Creek

Fair

Mills County, Iowa · 1.4 Mi. E of E Jct. 29 · Structure no. 000000000600952

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,850
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

WB US 34 over Pony Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying WB US 34 over Pony Creek in Mills 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 5,850 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,850 by 2044. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesWB US 34
CrossesPony Creek
Location1.4 Mi. E of E Jct. 29
RouteU.S. Route 34
StateIowa
Coordinates41.04728, -95.79287
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,850 (2022)
Projected traffic5,850 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was WB US 34 over Pony Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is WB US 34 over Pony 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does WB US 34 over Pony Creek carry?

About 5,850 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is WB US 34 over Pony Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns WB US 34 over Pony Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.