US Bridges

Local Road over Branch Otter Creek

PoorPosted for load

Warren County, Iowa · 075230802 · Structure no. 000000000333690

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
288
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 288 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 288 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesLocal Road
CrossesBranch Otter Creek
Location075230802
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.32003, -93.53933
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating17.1 US tons
Inventory rating7.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic288 (2022)
Projected traffic288 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 (2023 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 October 2024.

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

About 288 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Local Road over Branch Otter Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Local Road over Branch Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.