US Bridges

Local Sec RD over Nelson Creek

FairPosted for load

O'Brien County, Iowa · 094412402 · Structure no. 000000000259210

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
41
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Sec RD over Nelson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Sec RD over Nelson Creek in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 41 vehicles a day, projected to reach 41 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Sec RD
CrossesNelson Creek
Location094412402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.94916, -95.64349
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41 (2022)
Projected traffic41 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$375,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Sec RD over Nelson Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Sec RD over Nelson 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Local Sec RD over Nelson Creek carry?

About 41 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Sec RD over Nelson Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local Sec RD over Nelson Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.