US Bridges

Local over Salt Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Tama County, Iowa · 083130303 · Structure no. 000000000317430

Built
1897
128 years old, rebuilt 1935
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2015
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
123 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
44
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Salt Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Salt Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1897 and reconstructed in 1935, so it is 128 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 0 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 44 vehicles a day, projected to reach 44 by 2043. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSalt Creek
Location083130303
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.02896, -92.35541
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2015
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44 (2022)
Projected traffic44 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1897, making it 128 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1935.

What condition is Local over Salt 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 January 2015.

How much traffic does Local over Salt Creek carry?

About 44 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Salt Creek?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Salt Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.