US Bridges

Local Road over Branch Otter Creek

PoorPosted for load

Warren County, Iowa · 074230604 · Structure no. 000000000332890

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local Road over Branch Otter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local Road over Branch Otter Creek in Warren County, Iowa. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesLocal Road
CrossesBranch Otter Creek
Location074230604
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.23593, -93.55841
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating11.9 US tons
Inventory rating8.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic30 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$554,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local Road over Branch Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local Road over Branch Otter 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Local Road over Branch Otter Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local Road over Branch Otter Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over Branch Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.