US Bridges

Local over Platte Branch

PoorClosed to traffic

Taylor County, Iowa · 068321403 · Structure no. 000000000321600

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2019
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Platte Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Platte Branch in Taylor County, Iowa. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 83 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesPlatte Branch
Location068321403
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTaylor County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.69754, -94.49887
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2019
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 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 Platte Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is Local over Platte Branch 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 May 2019.

How much traffic does Local over Platte Branch carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Platte Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Platte Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.