US Bridges

1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn Creek

Fair

Cedar County, Iowa · 079013600 · Structure no. 000000000101651

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,310
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying 1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn Creek in Cedar County, Iowa. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 2,310 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,310 by 2044. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries1st Avenue
CrossesBig Elkhorn Creek
Location079013600
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCedar County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60557, -90.91916
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating88.6 US tons
Inventory rating53.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,310 (2022)
Projected traffic2,310 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is 1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does 1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 2,310 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is 1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns 1st Avenue over Big Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.