US Bridges

US 59 over Mill Creek

Good

O'Brien County, Iowa · 0.4 Mi. N of Jct. SR B24 · Structure no. 000000000038331

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,420
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Mill Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 59 over Mill Creek in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 1,420 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,420 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesMill Creek
Location0.4 Mi. N of Jct. SR B24
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateIowa
Coordinates43.13373, -95.62416
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,420 (2023)
Projected traffic1,420 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 59 over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Mill Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 over Mill Creek carry?

About 1,420 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Mill Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 59 over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.