US Bridges

320th over Fish Creek

Poor

Mitchell County, Iowa · 097161301 · Structure no. 000000000247420

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
226
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

320th over Fish Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 320th over Fish Creek in Mitchell County, Iowa. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 4 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.

It carries about 226 vehicles a day, projected to reach 226 by 2044. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries320th
CrossesFish Creek
Location097161301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMitchell County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.2271, -92.68268
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic226 (2022)
Projected traffic226 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 320th over Fish Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 320th over Fish 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does 320th over Fish Creek carry?

About 226 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 320th over Fish Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns 320th over Fish Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.