US Bridges

244th Ave over Upper Iowa River

Poor

Winneshiek County, Iowa · 099091007 · Structure no. 000000000348840

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
248 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
108
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

244th Ave over Upper Iowa River is a steel truss - thru carrying 244th Ave over Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 4 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.

It carries about 108 vehicles a day, projected to reach 108 by 2044. The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries244th Ave
CrossesUpper Iowa River
Location099091007
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWinneshiek County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.41034, -91.89044
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length248 ft (75.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic108 (2022)
Projected traffic108 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 244th Ave over Upper Iowa River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is 244th Ave over Upper Iowa 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does 244th Ave over Upper Iowa River carry?

About 108 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 244th Ave over Upper Iowa River?

The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 244th Ave over Upper Iowa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.