US Bridges

Freeman Ave over Small Stream

Poor

Buchanan County, Iowa · 088102602 · Structure no. 000000000082350

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Freeman Ave over Small Stream is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Freeman Ave over Small Stream in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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.

It carries about 21 vehicles a day, projected to reach 21 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFreeman Ave
CrossesSmall Stream
Location088102602
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.40233, -91.98677
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2022)
Projected traffic21 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

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 Freeman Ave over Small Stream built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Freeman Ave over Small Stream 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Freeman Ave over Small Stream carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Freeman Ave over Small Stream?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Freeman Ave over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.