US Bridges

Local over Little Soap Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Wapello County, Iowa · 071141806 · Structure no. 000000000330680

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
107 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Little Soap Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Little Soap Creek in Wapello County, Iowa. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 0 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2044. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesLittle Soap Creek
Location071141806
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.94559, -92.51695
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2021)
Projected traffic35 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Little Soap Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Little Soap 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Little Soap Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Local over Little Soap Creek?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Little Soap Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.