US Bridges

Birch Avenue over Sin Creek

PoorPosted for load

Adams County, Iowa · 073351706 · Structure no. 000000000061000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Birch Avenue over Sin Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Birch Avenue over Sin Creek in Adams County, Iowa. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesBirch Avenue
CrossesSin Creek
Location073351706
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.11758, -94.90076
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.1 US tons
Inventory rating14.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

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 closed3.1 mi (5 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 Birch Avenue over Sin Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Birch Avenue over Sin 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 Birch Avenue over Sin Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Birch Avenue over Sin Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Birch Avenue over Sin Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.