US Bridges

Elm Avenue over Show Creek

Fair

Adams County, Iowa · 073353602 · Structure no. 000000000061060

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elm Avenue over Show Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Elm Avenue over Show Creek in Adams County, Iowa. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2044. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElm Avenue
CrossesShow Creek
Location073353602
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdams County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.07887, -94.83392
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (2022)
Projected traffic29 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elm Avenue over Show Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elm Avenue over Show Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Elm Avenue over Show Creek carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Elm Avenue over Show Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Elm Avenue over Show Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.