US Bridges

US 71 over Longs Branch

Good

Montgomery County, Iowa · 1.8 Mi. N of N JCT SR H34 · Structure no. 000000000037641

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,390
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Longs Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over Longs Branch in Montgomery County, Iowa. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,390 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,390 by 2044. The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesLongs Branch
Location1.8 Mi. N of N JCT SR H34
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates41.03949, -94.98501
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length163 ft (49.7 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,390 (2022)
Projected traffic1,390 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Longs Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Longs Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Longs Branch carry?

About 1,390 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Longs Branch?

The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Longs Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.