US Bridges

Muscatine Ave over Ralston Creek

Fair

Johnson County, Iowa · 079061400 · Structure no. 000000000500780

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,256
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Muscatine Ave over Ralston Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Muscatine Ave over Ralston Creek in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 7,256 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,256 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMuscatine Ave
CrossesRalston Creek
Location079061400
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.65674, -91.51488
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJune 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,256 (2022)
Projected traffic7,256 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
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 byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Muscatine Ave over Ralston Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Muscatine Ave over Ralston 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Muscatine Ave over Ralston Creek carry?

About 7,256 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Muscatine Ave over Ralston Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Muscatine Ave over Ralston Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.