US Bridges

Local over West Branch

Fair

Sioux County, Iowa · 094452001 · Structure no. 000000000308750

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
171 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over West Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over West Branch in Sioux County, Iowa. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2044. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesWest Branch
Location094452001
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySioux County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.95313, -96.18856
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$250,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over West Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over West Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does Local over West Branch carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over West Branch?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over West Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.