US Bridges

US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR

Fair

Wapello County, Iowa · 4.2 Mi. West of SR H35 · Structure no. 000000000050410

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
369 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,270
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR in Wapello County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4,270 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,270 by 2044. The structure is 369 ft (112.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 34
CrossesBear Creek Ice RR
Location4.2 Mi. West of SR H35
RouteU.S. Route 34
CountyWapello County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.00753, -92.55263
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length369 ft (112.5 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,270 (2022)
Projected traffic4,270 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR carry?

About 4,270 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR?

The structure is 369 ft (112.5 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 over Bear Creek Ice RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.