US Bridges

US 34 over West Tarkio Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Iowa · 0.5 MI E of E Jct. SR H34 · Structure no. 000000000037540

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,990
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 over West Tarkio Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 34 over West Tarkio Creek in Montgomery 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 3,990 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,990 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 34
CrossesWest Tarkio Creek
Location0.5 MI E of E Jct. SR H34
RouteU.S. Route 34
StateIowa
Coordinates41.01299, -95.16281
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating90.3 US tons
Inventory rating54.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,990 (2022)
Projected traffic3,990 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US 34 over West Tarkio Creek built?

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

What condition is US 34 over West Tarkio 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 over West Tarkio Creek carry?

About 3,990 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 34 over West Tarkio Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 34 over West Tarkio Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.