US Bridges

Essex Ave over Stream

PoorPosted for load

Clayton County, Iowa · 095050304 · Structure no. 000000000121111

Built
1910
115 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
73
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Essex Ave over Stream is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Essex Ave over Stream in Clayton County, Iowa. It was built in 1910 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 115 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 73 vehicles a day, projected to reach 73 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesEssex Ave
CrossesStream
Location095050304
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClayton County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.07037, -91.42007
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic73 (2022)
Projected traffic73 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Essex Ave over Stream built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Essex Ave over 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Essex Ave over Stream carry?

About 73 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Essex Ave over Stream?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Essex Ave over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.