Clay County Bridge Report Card
Clay County scores 72 out of 100 on BridgeLookup's Bridge Condition Exposure Score, based on FHWA National Bridge Inventory records.
Clay County, Iowa
Clay County has 154 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, with 16 rated poor and 1 rated scour-critical. Its poor-condition share of 10.4% is at or below the 18.6% statewide average. Poor-condition bridges carry about 7,798 daily vehicle crossings.
Quote-Ready Local Facts
Copyable Facts for Reporters
BridgeLookup.com gives Clay County a Bridge Condition Exposure Score of 72/100 (C). The county has 154 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, including 16 in poor condition and 1 rated scour-critical. Poor-condition bridges carry about 7,798 daily vehicle crossings. Poor condition does not mean unsafe; bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.
How the Score Breaks Down
| Factor | Weight | County Value | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor-condition bridge share | 40 | 10.4% | 20.8 |
| Poor-condition traffic exposure | 25 | 7.5% of measured traffic | 5.6 |
| Scour-critical bridge share | 20 | 0.6% | 1.3 |
| Average age vs national baseline | 10 | 42 years vs 48 nationally | 0.0 |
| Traffic-data completeness | 5 | 103,703 measured daily crossings | 0.0 |
Score = 100 minus weighted penalties. The score is a comparative research signal, not an official safety rating. Read the full methodology.
County Comparisons
| County Poor-Condition Share | 10.4% |
| State Poor-Condition Share | 18.6% |
| National Poor-Condition Share | 6.7% |
| County Scour-Critical Share | 0.6% |
| Average Bridge Age | 42 years |
| Poor-Condition Traffic Exposure | 7,798 vehicles/day |
Bridges to Watch
Top Bridges to Watch in Clay County
| Bridge | Reason | Condition | Daily Traffic | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FM 340th ST over Little Sioux River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 2,573 | 1963 |
| FM 350th ST over Spring Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 1,806 | 1963 |
| FM 130th AVE over Ocheyedan River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 1,287 | 1971 |
| FM 280th AVE over Pickeral Run | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 459 | 1993 |
| FM 480th ST over Little Sioux River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 369 | 1954 |
| FM 300th ST over Big Muddy Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 369 | 1963 |
| FM 280th ST over Little Sioux River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 270 | 1966 |
| FM 310th AVE over Ditch No.60 | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 259 | 1967 |
| FM 160th AVE over Willow Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 190 | 1962 |
| 210th AVE over Little Sioux River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 62 | 1915 |
Important safety note
Poor condition does not mean a bridge is unsafe. It means at least one major component has significant deterioration and the bridge is a priority for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.