US Bridges

Benton ST over Ralston Creek

Poor

Johnson County, Iowa · 079061500 · Structure no. 000000000006260

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
65 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
449
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Benton ST over Ralston Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Benton ST over Ralston Creek in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 90 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 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 449 vehicles a day, projected to reach 449 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBenton ST
CrossesRalston Creek
Location079061500
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.6511, -91.53224
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic449 (2022)
Projected traffic449 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$490,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Benton ST over Ralston Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Benton ST over Ralston 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Benton ST over Ralston Creek carry?

About 449 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Benton ST over Ralston Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns Benton ST over Ralston Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.