US Bridges

US 71 over West Nodaway River

Fair

Montgomery County, Iowa · 0.4 Mi. S of Jct. SR L-14 · Structure no. 000000000037660

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
255 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,370
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over West Nodaway River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over West 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 6 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 1,370 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,370 by 2042. The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesWest Nodaway River
Location0.4 Mi. S of Jct. SR L-14
RouteU.S. Route 71
StateIowa
Coordinates41.13836, -94.98859
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length255 ft (77.7 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,370 (2022)
Projected traffic1,370 by 2042
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 West Nodaway River built?

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

What condition is US 71 over West 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 West Nodaway River carry?

About 1,370 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over West Nodaway River?

The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over West Nodaway River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.