US Bridges

US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek

Fair

Union County, Iowa · 3.2 Mi. W of W JCT US 169 · Structure no. 000000000050040

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,890
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek in Union County, Iowa. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4,890 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,890 by 2043. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 34
CrossesTwelve Mile Creek
Location3.2 Mi. W of W JCT US 169
RouteU.S. Route 34
StateIowa
Coordinates41.04837, -94.25169
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,890 (2021)
Projected traffic4,890 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek carry?

About 4,890 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 over Twelve Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.