US Bridges

Local over Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Shelby County, Iowa · 079382404 · Structure no. 000000000305300

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
105 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
62
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Elm Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Elm Creek in Shelby County, Iowa. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 99 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 62 vehicles a day, projected to reach 62 by 2043. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesElm Creek
Location079382404
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyShelby County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.64078, -95.22804
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionApril 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2022)
Projected traffic62 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Local over Elm 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Elm Creek carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Elm Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.