US Bridges

Local Road over Skunk River

PoorPosted for load

Polk County, Iowa · 081231001 · Structure no. 000000000282700

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
216 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Road over Skunk River is a steel truss - thru carrying Local Road over Skunk River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2044. The structure is 216 ft (65.8 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal Road
CrossesSkunk River
Location081231001
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.84948, -93.50981
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating15.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length216 ft (65.8 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (2022)
Projected traffic29 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Skunk River built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Road over Skunk River 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 Skunk River carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Road over Skunk River?

The structure is 216 ft (65.8 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over Skunk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.