US Bridges

Local over East Branch Salt Creek

Poor

Tama County, Iowa · 084132703 · Structure no. 000000000318681

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over East Branch Salt Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over East Branch Salt 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 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.

It carries about 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2044. The structure is 82 ft (25 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
CrossesEast Branch Salt Creek
Location084132703
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.05767, -92.33994
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25 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 traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 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 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 East Branch Salt Creek built?

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

What condition is Local over East Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Local over East Branch Salt Creek carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over East Branch Salt Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Local over East Branch Salt Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.