US Bridges

Local over Middle River

PoorPosted for load

Warren County, Iowa · 076251410 · Structure no. 000000000334730

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
244 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
72
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Middle River is a steel truss - thru carrying Local over Middle River in Warren County, Iowa. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 72 vehicles a day, projected to reach 72 by 2044. The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesMiddle River
Location076251410
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.38123, -93.70381
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length244 ft (74.4 m)
Longest span157 ft (47.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72 (2022)
Projected traffic72 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Middle River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Middle 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Middle River carry?

About 72 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Middle River?

The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long with a longest span of 157 ft (47.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Middle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.