US Bridges

Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River

PoorPosted for load

Adams County, Iowa · 072351504 · Structure no. 000000000060120

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
225 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River is a steel truss - thru carrying Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River in Adams County, Iowa. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesChestnut Avenue
CrossesMiddle Nodaway River
Location072351504
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdams County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.03199, -94.87239
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating17.4 US tons
Inventory rating12.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span158 ft (48.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck11 ft (3.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Chestnut Avenue over Middle Nodaway River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.