US Bridges

Local over Sand Creek

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Iowa · 071281904 · Structure no. 000000000324350

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
41
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Sand Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Sand Creek in Union County, Iowa. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 3 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 41 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 41 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesSand Creek
Location071281904
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.93608, -94.12894
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.6 US tons
Inventory rating6.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41 (2022)
Projected traffic41 by 2044
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Sand Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Sand Creek carry?

About 41 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is Local over Sand Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Sand Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.