US Bridges

Local over Branch Des Moines River

PoorClosed to traffic

Wapello County, Iowa · 073152103 · Structure no. 000000000332460

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
62
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Branch Des Moines River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Local over Branch Des Moines River 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 62 vehicles a day, projected to reach 62 by 2044. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesBranch Des Moines River
Location073152103
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWapello County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.11366, -92.59034
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2022)
Projected traffic62 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Branch Des Moines River built?

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

What condition is Local over Branch Des Moines River 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 Branch Des Moines River carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Branch Des Moines River?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Branch Des Moines River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.