US Bridges

Local over Three Mile Creek

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Iowa · 073301004 · Structure no. 000000000326741

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Three Mile Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Local over Three Mile Creek 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 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2043. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesThree Mile Creek
Location073301004
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUnion County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.13476, -94.28957
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Three Mile Creek built?

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

What condition is Local over Three Mile Creek 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 Three Mile Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Three Mile Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Three Mile Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.