US Bridges

Local over Nelson CR

Fair

O'Brien County, Iowa · 094412502 · Structure no. 000000000259230

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Nelson CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Nelson CR in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesNelson CR
Location094412502
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.92646, -95.64324
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 over Nelson CR built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Nelson CR 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 over Nelson CR carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Nelson CR?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Nelson CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.