US Bridges

Local over Stream

PoorPosted for load

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 094313601 · Structure no. 000000000268770

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
90
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Stream is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Stream in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 90 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2044. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesStream
Location094313601
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPalo Alto County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.92248, -94.45547
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 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 rating34.7 US tons
Inventory rating20.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2022)
Projected traffic90 by 2044
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Stream built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Stream 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Stream carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Stream?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.