US Bridges

Local Road over Stream

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Iowa · 071302701 · Structure no. 000000000324940

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Road over Stream is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Road over Stream in Union County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesLocal Road
CrossesStream
Location071302701
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.92747, -94.29917
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$554,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Road over Stream built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Road over Stream 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 Road over Stream carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Road over Stream?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.