US Bridges

Elm Avenue over Williams Creek

PoorPosted for load

Adams County, Iowa · 073351202 · Structure no. 000000000060990

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elm Avenue over Williams Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Elm Avenue over Williams Creek in Adams County, Iowa. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesElm Avenue
CrossesWilliams Creek
Location073351202
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.14396, -94.83391
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$475,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elm Avenue over Williams Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elm Avenue over Williams 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Elm Avenue over Williams Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Elm Avenue over Williams Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Elm Avenue over Williams Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.