US Bridges

Local over Small Stream

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Iowa · 073283601 · Structure no. 000000000326440

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Small Stream is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Small Stream in Union County, Iowa. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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 30 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesSmall Stream
Location073283601
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.08464, -94.01632
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.1 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic30 by 2044
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Small Stream built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Small 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 over Small Stream carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is Local over Small Stream?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.