US Bridges

Local over Trib Desmoines River R

PoorPosted for load

Van Buren County, Iowa · 068082805 · Structure no. 000000000327640

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Trib Desmoines River R is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Trib Desmoines River R in Van Buren County, Iowa. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesTrib Desmoines River R
Location068082805
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.65319, -91.78409
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.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating27.2 US tons
Inventory rating16.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 by 2044
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 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 Trib Desmoines River R built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Trib Desmoines River R 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Trib Desmoines River R carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Trib Desmoines River R?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Trib Desmoines River R?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.