US Bridges

Local over Little Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Poweshiek County, Iowa · 080143004 · Structure no. 000000000293600

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Little Bear Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Little Bear Creek in Poweshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesLittle Bear Creek
Location080143004
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPoweshiek County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.70279, -92.5329
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19 US tons
Inventory rating13.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$990,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Little Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Little 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 Little Bear Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Little Bear Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Little Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.