US Bridges

US 34 over Four Mile Creek

Fair

Union County, Iowa · 2 Mi. E of E Jct. US 169 · Structure no. 000000000050091

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
3,040
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 over Four Mile Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 over Four 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 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 3,040 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,040 by 2042. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

CarriesUS 34
CrossesFour Mile Creek
Location2 Mi. E of E Jct. US 169
RouteU.S. Route 34
StateIowa
Coordinates41.02605, -94.0437
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating36.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,040 (2022)
Projected traffic3,040 by 2042
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 Four Mile Creek built?

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

What condition is US 34 over Four 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 Four Mile Creek carry?

About 3,040 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 34 over Four Mile Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 over Four Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.