US Bridges

240 Avenue over Main Ditch

Poor

Fremont County, Iowa · 068432402 · Structure no. 000000000159671

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

240 Avenue over Main Ditch is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 240 Avenue over Main Ditch in Fremont County, Iowa. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 3 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.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries240 Avenue
CrossesMain Ditch
Location068432402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFremont County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.69161, -95.73401
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.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2021)
Projected traffic5 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 240 Avenue over Main Ditch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is 240 Avenue over Main Ditch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does 240 Avenue over Main Ditch carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is 240 Avenue over Main Ditch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns 240 Avenue over Main Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.