US Bridges

140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek

Poor

Plymouth County, Iowa · 093472801 · Structure no. 000000000277430

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek in Plymouth County, Iowa. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries140th ST
CrossesBroken Kettle Creek
Location093472801
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPlymouth County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.85103, -96.39397
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 rating37 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 by 2043
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$165,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is 140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 140th ST over Broken Kettle Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.