US Bridges

Balsam over Beaver Creek

PoorPosted for load

Worth County, Iowa · 098222904 · Structure no. 000000000355971

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
216
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balsam over Beaver Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Balsam over Beaver Creek in Worth County, Iowa. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 216 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 216 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBalsam
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location098222904
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWorth County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.27481, -93.47784
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic216 (2022)
Projected traffic216 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Balsam over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balsam over Beaver 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Balsam over Beaver Creek carry?

About 216 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Balsam over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Balsam over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.