US Bridges

Local over Pike Creek

PoorPosted for load

Muscatine County, Iowa · 076041603 · Structure no. 000000000257230

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
132 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
41
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Pike Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Pike Creek in Muscatine County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 125 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 41 vehicles a day, projected to reach 41 by 2044. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesPike Creek
Location076041603
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.3868, -91.32913
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating6.5 US tons
Inventory rating4.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41 (2022)
Projected traffic41 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Pike Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Local over Pike Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Pike Creek carry?

About 41 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Pike Creek?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Pike Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.