US Bridges

400th over Beaver Creek

PoorPosted for load

Mitchell County, Iowa · 098160105 · Structure no. 000000000247680

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
104 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

400th over Beaver Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying 400th over Beaver Creek in Mitchell County, Iowa. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2044. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries400th
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location098160105
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMitchell County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.34217, -92.67496
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (2022)
Projected traffic29 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 400th over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is 400th over Beaver 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 400th over Beaver Creek carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 400th over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 400th over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.