US Bridges

US 34 over Over BNSF RR

Fair

Monroe County, Iowa · 4.6 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 5 · Structure no. 000000000037380

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
193 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 over Over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 over Over BNSF RR in Monroe County, Iowa. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 2,250 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,250 by 2042. The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

CarriesUS 34
CrossesOver BNSF RR
Location4.6 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 5
RouteU.S. Route 34
StateIowa
Coordinates41.01118, -92.89552
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating30.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length193 ft (58.8 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,250 (2022)
Projected traffic2,250 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 34 over Over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 over Over BNSF RR 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 over Over BNSF RR carry?

About 2,250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 34 over Over BNSF RR?

The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 over Over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.