US Bridges

Old US 71 over BNSF RR

PoorClosed to traffic

Montgomery County, Iowa · 071362702 · Structure no. 000000000011525

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
188 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,187
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US 71 over BNSF RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old US 71 over BNSF RR in Montgomery County, Iowa. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 0 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 1,187 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,187 by 2043. The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld US 71
CrossesBNSF RR
Location071362702
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMontgomery County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.92711, -94.98549
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length188 ft (57.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,187 (2021)
Projected traffic1,187 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$3 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Old US 71 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old US 71 over BNSF RR 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Old US 71 over BNSF RR carry?

About 1,187 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Old US 71 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Old US 71 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.