US Bridges

Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek

Good

Van Buren County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 2 · Structure no. 000000000050371

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
252 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
650
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek in Van Buren County, Iowa. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 650 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 650 by 2043. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.8 mi (114 km).

CarriesIa 81
CrossesBig Indian Creek
Location0.1 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 2
RouteState Highway 81
StateIowa
Coordinates40.63777, -91.75028
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2022)
Projected traffic650 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.8 mi (114 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 81 over Big Indian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.