US Bridges

Iowa Ave over Ralston Creek

Poor

Johnson County, Iowa · 079061000 · Structure no. 000000000500820

Built
1910
115 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
754
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Iowa Ave over Ralston Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Iowa Ave over Ralston Creek in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1910 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 115 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 4 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 754 vehicles a day, projected to reach 754 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIowa Ave
CrossesRalston Creek
Location079061000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.66094, -91.52428
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic754 (2022)
Projected traffic754 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Iowa Ave over Ralston Creek built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is Iowa 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Iowa Ave over Ralston Creek carry?

About 754 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Iowa Ave over Ralston Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m).

Who owns Iowa Ave over Ralston Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.