US Bridges

Local over Small Stream

PoorPosted for load

Van Buren County, Iowa · 069091501 · Structure no. 000000000328481

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Small Stream is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Small Stream in Van Buren County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesSmall Stream
Location069091501
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.78434, -91.8776
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22.9 US tons
Inventory rating7.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 1976, making it 49 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Small Stream carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Small Stream?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.