US Bridges

Ia 21 over Wolf Creek

Fair

Tama County, Iowa · 0.4 Miles South of D65 · Structure no. 000000000049680

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
287 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 21 over Wolf Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 21 over Wolf Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2042. The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 21
CrossesWolf Creek
Location0.4 Miles South of D65
RouteState Highway 21
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.25247, -92.34764
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length287 ft (87.5 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2022)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Ia 21 over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 21 over Wolf 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 21 over Wolf Creek carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Ia 21 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 21 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.