US Bridges

SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage

Fair

Johnson County, Iowa · 078082004 · Structure no. 000000000359275

Built
1974
51 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1974 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 51 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 5 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW Buchanan Ave
CrossesDrainage
Location078082004
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.54149, -91.80646
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2021)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 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 SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns SW Buchanan Ave over Drainage?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.