US Bridges

Ranchero RD over Black Hawk Creek

Fair

Black Hawk County, Iowa · City Bridge No. 1 · Structure no. 000000000011780

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
175 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,638
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ranchero RD over Black Hawk Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ranchero RD over Black Hawk Creek in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 1,638 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,638 by 2043. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRanchero RD
CrossesBlack Hawk Creek
LocationCity Bridge No. 1
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBlack Hawk County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.45667, -92.42312
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,638 (2022)
Projected traffic1,638 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Ranchero RD over Black Hawk Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ranchero RD over Black Hawk 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Ranchero RD over Black Hawk Creek carry?

About 1,638 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Ranchero RD over Black Hawk Creek?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ranchero RD over Black Hawk Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.