US Bridges

US 71 over Middle Nodaway River

Fair

Montgomery County, Iowa · 2.2 Mi. S of SR H-46 · Structure no. 000000000037601

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
261 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,090
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Middle Nodaway River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over Middle Nodaway River in Montgomery County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 2,090 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,090 by 2043. The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesMiddle Nodaway River
Location2.2 Mi. S of SR H-46
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates40.90899, -94.98604
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length261 ft (79.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,090 (2021)
Projected traffic2,090 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 71 over Middle Nodaway River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Middle Nodaway River 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 over Middle Nodaway River carry?

About 2,090 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Middle Nodaway River?

The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Middle Nodaway River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.