US Bridges

Local over Small Stream

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Iowa · 073290105 · Structure no. 000000000326470

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Small Stream is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Local over Small 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 4 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSmall Stream
Location073290105
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUnion County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.14978, -94.1437
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating31.9 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 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 Small Stream built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 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 2023.

How much traffic does Local over Small Stream carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Small Stream?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 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.