US Bridges

Charles Ave over Gower Creek

FairPosted for load

Cedar County, Iowa · 080041602 · Structure no. 000000000103231

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Charles Ave over Gower Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Charles Ave over Gower Creek in Cedar County, Iowa. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCharles Ave
CrossesGower Creek
Location080041602
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCedar County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.73339, -91.32708
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2044
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Charles Ave over Gower Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Charles Ave over Gower 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 Charles Ave over Gower Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Charles Ave over Gower Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Charles Ave over Gower Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.