US Bridges

Local over Platte Branch

FairPosted for load

Taylor County, Iowa · 068323201 · Structure no. 000000000321690

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Platte Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Platte Branch in Taylor County, Iowa. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 80 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesPlatte Branch
Location068323201
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTaylor County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.65405, -94.56015
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating21.5 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Local over Platte Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Platte Branch carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Platte Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Platte Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.