US Bridges

Local over West Platte River

PoorClosed to traffic

Union County, Iowa · 072312102 · Structure no. 000000000326130

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2022
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over West Platte River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Local over West Platte River 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 0 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesWest Platte River
Location072312102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUnion County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.01957, -94.43306
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over West Platte River built?

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

What condition is Local over West Platte River 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 2022.

How much traffic does Local over West Platte River carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over West Platte River?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over West Platte River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.