US Bridges

Howard Ave over Crane Creek

PoorPosted for load

Howard County, Iowa · 098130504 · Structure no. 000000000182370

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
63
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howard Ave over Crane Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Howard Ave over Crane Creek in Howard County, Iowa. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 63 vehicles a day, projected to reach 63 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHoward Ave
CrossesCrane Creek
Location098130504
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHoward County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.33803, -92.40646
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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.2 US tons
Inventory rating13.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic63 (2021)
Projected traffic63 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Howard Ave over Crane Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Howard Ave over Crane Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Howard Ave over Crane Creek carry?

About 63 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Howard Ave over Crane Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Howard Ave over Crane Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.