US Bridges

260th ST over Dry Branch

PoorPosted for load

Plymouth County, Iowa · 091442801 · Structure no. 000000000272760

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

260th ST over Dry Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 260th ST over Dry Branch in Plymouth County, Iowa. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2044. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries260th ST
CrossesDry Branch
Location091442801
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPlymouth County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.67782, -96.04277
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.2 US tons
Inventory rating17.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 260th ST over Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is 260th ST over Dry Branch 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 260th ST over Dry Branch carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 260th ST over Dry Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 260th ST over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.