US Bridges

Local over South Branch Salt Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Tama County, Iowa · 084132804 · Structure no. 000000000318690

Built
1907
118 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over South Branch Salt Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over South Branch Salt Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1907, so it is 118 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2044. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSouth Branch Salt Creek
Location084132804
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.05325, -92.37651
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 South Branch Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over South 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 South Branch Salt Creek carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over South Branch Salt Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over South Branch Salt Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.