US Bridges

Local over Wolf Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Tama County, Iowa · 085161102 · Structure no. 000000000320050

Built
1895
130 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2014
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Wolf Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Wolf Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 130 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 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesWolf Creek
Location085161102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.18176, -92.68928
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2014
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 geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 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 Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1895, making it 130 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Local over Wolf 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 December 2014.

How much traffic does Local over Wolf Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.