US Bridges

Local over Branch East Platte

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Iowa · 071301905 · Structure no. 000000000324891

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Branch East Platte is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Branch East Platte in Union County, Iowa. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesBranch East Platte
Location071301905
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.94222, -94.33799
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.2 US tons
Inventory rating11.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Branch East Platte built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Branch East Platte 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 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Branch East Platte carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Branch East Platte?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Branch East Platte?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.