US Bridges

Local over Bear Creek

Poor

Poweshiek County, Iowa · 081153102 · Structure no. 000000000294661

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
63 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Bear Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Local over Bear Creek in Poweshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2043. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBear Creek
Location081153102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPoweshiek County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.78233, -92.64965
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over 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 Bear Creek carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Bear Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.