US Bridges

Local over Branch of Otter Creek

Fair

Tama County, Iowa · 083142302 · Structure no. 000000000317891

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Branch of Otter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Branch of Otter Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBranch of Otter Creek
Location083142302
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.98365, -92.45404
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (2022)
Projected traffic29 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Branch of Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Branch of Otter 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Branch of Otter Creek carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Branch of Otter Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Branch of Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.