US Bridges

Bishop Ave over Blowers Creek

Fair

Black Hawk County, Iowa · City Culvert No. 21C · Structure no. 000000000012160

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,339
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bishop Ave over Blowers Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Bishop Ave over Blowers Creek in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 6 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 1,339 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,339 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBishop Ave
CrossesBlowers Creek
LocationCity Culvert No. 21C
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBlack Hawk County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.49278, -92.29309
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,339 (2022)
Projected traffic1,339 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bishop Ave over Blowers Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bishop Ave over Blowers 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 Bishop Ave over Blowers Creek carry?

About 1,339 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Bishop Ave over Blowers Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bishop Ave over Blowers Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.