US Bridges

Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32

Fair

Franklin County, Iowa · 091222902 · Structure no. 000000000157270

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32 is a concrete continuous slab carrying Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32 in Franklin County, Iowa. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 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 44 vehicles a day, projected to reach 44 by 2044. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBalsam Ave
CrossesDrainage Ditch #32
Location091222902
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFranklin County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.66576, -93.47848
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44 (2022)
Projected traffic44 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32 built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32 carry?

About 44 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Balsam Ave over Drainage Ditch #32?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.