US Bridges

US 59 over West Nishnabotna River

Fair

Shelby County, Iowa · 0.8 Mi. S of SR F-58 · Structure no. 000000000047780

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
408 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,940
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over West Nishnabotna River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over West Nishnabotna River in Shelby County, Iowa. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4,940 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,940 by 2043. The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 59
CrossesWest Nishnabotna River
Location0.8 Mi. S of SR F-58
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyShelby County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.56511, -95.33494
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.3 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length408 ft (124.4 m)
Longest span156 ft (47.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,940 (2023)
Projected traffic4,940 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over West Nishnabotna River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over West Nishnabotna River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over West Nishnabotna River carry?

About 4,940 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over West Nishnabotna River?

The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long with a longest span of 156 ft (47.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over West Nishnabotna River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.