US Bridges

Union Avenue over Stream

PoorPosted for load

Adams County, Iowa · 071322702 · Structure no. 000000000058791

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Avenue over Stream is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Union Avenue over Stream in Adams County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUnion Avenue
CrossesStream
Location071322702
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdams County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.92302, -94.52768
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$396,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Union Avenue over Stream built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union Avenue over Stream 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Union Avenue over Stream carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Union Avenue over Stream?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Union Avenue over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.