US Bridges

US 71 over Long Branch Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Iowa · 3.4 Mi. N of N Jct. H34 · Structure no. 000000000037651

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,390
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Long Branch Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 71 over Long Branch Creek 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 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 1,390 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,390 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 71
CrossesLong Branch Creek
Location3.4 Mi. N of N Jct. H34
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyMontgomery County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.06405, -94.98511
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,390 (2022)
Projected traffic1,390 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 Long Branch Creek built?

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

What condition is US 71 over Long Branch 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 71 over Long Branch Creek carry?

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

How long is US 71 over Long Branch Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 71 over Long Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.