US Bridges

Local over Drainage Ditch

PoorPosted for load

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 094313004 · Structure no. 000000000268741

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Drainage Ditch is a concrete slab carrying Local over Drainage Ditch in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 4 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location094313004
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPalo Alto County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.92657, -94.55092
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 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$250,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Drainage Ditch 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.