US Bridges

Kirkwood Ave over Ralston Creek

Poor

Johnson County, Iowa · 079061500 · Structure no. 000000000006390

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,693
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kirkwood Ave over Ralston Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Kirkwood Ave 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 4,693 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,693 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKirkwood Ave
CrossesRalston Creek
Location079061500
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.64944, -91.53316
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,693 (2022)
Projected traffic4,693 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
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$950,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Kirkwood Ave over Ralston Creek built?

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

What condition is Kirkwood Ave 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 Kirkwood Ave over Ralston Creek carry?

About 4,693 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Kirkwood Ave over Ralston Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Kirkwood Ave over Ralston Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.