US Bridges

US 59 over Willow Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Iowa · 3.4 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 37 · Structure no. 000000000047840

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,830
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Willow Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Willow Creek 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 6 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 2,830 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,830 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 59
CrossesWillow Creek
Location3.4 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 37
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyShelby County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.8256, -95.34948
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,830 (2022)
Projected traffic2,830 by 2043
Trucks21%
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 Willow Creek built?

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

What condition is US 59 over Willow Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 over Willow Creek carry?

About 2,830 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.