US Bridges

FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Johnson County, Iowa · 0.3M North of Ireland Ave · Structure no. 000000000205020

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,990
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 6 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 1,990 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,990 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM James Ave
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.3M North of Ireland Ave
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.72323, -91.66647
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,990 (2022)
Projected traffic1,990 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,990 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FM James Ave over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency and maintained by the County Highway Agency.