US Bridges

1st Ave over Bear Creek

Fair

Delaware County, Iowa · 1st Ave - Bear Creek · Structure no. 000000000004310

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,498
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

1st Ave over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying 1st Ave over Bear Creek in Delaware County, Iowa. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 2,498 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,498 by 2044. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries1st Ave
CrossesBear Creek
Location1st Ave - Bear Creek
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDelaware County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.48441, -91.14079
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,498 (2022)
Projected traffic2,498 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$200,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 1st Ave over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is 1st Ave over Bear 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does 1st Ave over Bear Creek carry?

About 2,498 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 1st Ave over Bear Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns 1st Ave over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.