US Bridges

Local over Mosquito Creek

PoorPosted for load

Shelby County, Iowa · 079402903 · Structure no. 000000000305860

Built
1917
108 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
161 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Mosquito Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Mosquito Creek in Shelby County, Iowa. It was built in 1917 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 108 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2043. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesMosquito Creek
Location079402903
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyShelby County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.63112, -95.52389
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating17 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 Mosquito Creek built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Local over Mosquito 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Mosquito Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Mosquito Creek?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Mosquito Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.