US Bridges

US 34 over Over BNSF RR

Fair

Union County, Iowa · 1.3 Mi. E of E JCT US 169 · Structure no. 000000000050081

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
401 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,370
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 over Over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 over Over BNSF RR 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 5 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 2,370 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,370 by 2043. The structure is 401 ft (122.2 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 34
CrossesOver BNSF RR
Location1.3 Mi. E of E JCT US 169
RouteU.S. Route 34
CountyUnion County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.02634, -94.05735
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.2 US tons
Inventory rating43.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length401 ft (122.2 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.2 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,370 (2022)
Projected traffic2,370 by 2043
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 34 over Over BNSF RR built?

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

What condition is US 34 over Over BNSF RR 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 over Over BNSF RR carry?

About 2,370 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 34 over Over BNSF RR?

The structure is 401 ft (122.2 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.2 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 over Over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.