Crossing the historic Clear Creek Bridge in Iowa
The Clear Creek Bridge is a historic single-lane steel pony truss bridge spanning 18.0 meters (59 ft) across Clear Creek in Iowa County, in the US state of Iowa. Located on 44th Avenue (W Avenue) near Homestead, the structure carries a rural dirt road through farmland. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
| Road facts: Clear Creek Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Location | Iowa County (Homestead), Iowa (USA) |
| Route Designation | 44th Avenue / W Avenue |
| Length | 18.0 m (59 ft) |
| Structure Type | Single-span steel Pratt pony truss |
| Build Date | 1955 |
| Surface | Timber plank deck set on unpaved dirt approaches |
| Access Status | Open to single-lane local vehicular traffic |
Where is the Clear Creek Bridge located?
The bridge sits on 44th Avenue (historically designated as W Avenue) in rural eastern Iowa County, just northwest of Homestead. It crosses Clear Creek surrounded by open agricultural fields and rolling farm terrain.
What type of bridge is the Clear Creek Bridge?
Erected in 1955, the 59-foot structure is a low-slung, green-painted steel Pratt pony truss bridge. The narrow single-lane crossing features diagonal steel side bracing and a deck constructed from heavy wooden timber planks laid perpendicular to traffic.
Can you drive across the Clear Creek Bridge?
Yes. The span remains open to light local vehicular traffic operating as a single-lane crossing. Drivers must yield to oncoming vehicles from the opposite side before committing to the timber deck.
What are the driving conditions on the Clear Creek Bridge?
The bridge is approached via unpaved dirt and gravel tracks that turn slick and muddy during spring rains. The wooden floorboards rattle under tire weight, while the low steel side trusses leave narrow side clearance, requiring drivers to align carefully when entering the span.
Pic: King Hawk Fan