US Bridges

Local over Big Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Poweshiek County, Iowa · 080140808 · Structure no. 000000000293450

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Big Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Big Bear Creek in Poweshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2043. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location080140808
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.75646, -92.50831
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic60 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$807,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Big Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Big Bear 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Big Bear Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.