US Bridges

15 Ave over Branch Prairie Creek

Fair

Benton County, Iowa · 083121306 · Structure no. 000000000014540

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

15 Ave over Branch Prairie Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying 15 Ave over Branch Prairie Creek in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries15 Ave
CrossesBranch Prairie Creek
Location083121306
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBenton County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.99385, -92.20207
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2022)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 15 Ave over Branch Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is 15 Ave over Branch Prairie 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does 15 Ave over Branch Prairie Creek carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is 15 Ave over Branch Prairie Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns 15 Ave over Branch Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.