US Bridges

Local Road over Indian Creek

PoorPosted for load

Polk County, Iowa · 081220203 · Structure no. 000000000282300

Built
1916
109 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
123 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Road over Indian Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local Road over Indian Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1916, so it is 109 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 3 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2044. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 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 Road
CrossesIndian Creek
Location081220203
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.85671, -93.38622
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating18.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2022)
Projected traffic45 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 Road over Indian Creek built?

It was built in 1916, making it 109 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Road over Indian 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Local Road over Indian Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Road over Indian Creek?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over Indian Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.