US Bridges

Local-Closed! over Dd 81

FairPosted for load

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 095322104 · Structure no. 000000000269270

Built
1882
143 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
162 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
46
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local-Closed! over Dd 81 is a steel truss - thru carrying Local-Closed! over Dd 81 in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 1882 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 143 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 5 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 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 46 by 2044. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal-Closed!
CrossesDd 81
Location095322104
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPalo Alto County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.03138, -94.62935
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating8.9 US tons
Inventory rating5.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2022)
Projected traffic46 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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-Closed! over Dd 81 built?

It was built in 1882, making it 143 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Local-Closed! over Dd 81 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Local-Closed! over Dd 81 carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local-Closed! over Dd 81?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Local-Closed! over Dd 81?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.