US Bridges

Local over Branch Iowa River

Poor

Tama County, Iowa · 084160301 · Structure no. 000000000319161

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Branch Iowa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Branch Iowa River in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBranch Iowa River
Location084160301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.12363, -92.69731
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 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 closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Branch Iowa River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Branch Iowa River 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 Branch Iowa River carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Branch Iowa River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Branch Iowa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.