US Bridges

Local over Richland Creek

Fair

Tama County, Iowa · 082141407 · Structure no. 000000000316750

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
33
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Richland Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Richland Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 105 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 33 vehicles a day, projected to reach 33 by 2044. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesRichland Creek
Location082141407
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.90712, -92.44926
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33 (2022)
Projected traffic33 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Local over Richland 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Richland Creek carry?

About 33 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Richland Creek?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.