US Bridges

Local over Mcelhaney Creek

PoorPosted for load

Woodbury County, Iowa · 089442702 · Structure no. 000000000355044

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over Mcelhaney Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over Mcelhaney Creek in Woodbury County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2044. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesLocal
CrossesMcelhaney Creek
Location089442702
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.49384, -96.03663
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 inspectionJuly 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.3 US tons
Inventory rating7.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 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$713,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over Mcelhaney Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Local over Mcelhaney 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Local over Mcelhaney Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Local over Mcelhaney Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Local over Mcelhaney Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.