US Bridges

Van Buren ST over Ralston Creek

Poor

Johnson County, Iowa · 079061500 · Structure no. 000000000501300

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,082
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Van Buren ST over Ralston Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Van Buren ST over Ralston Creek in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1935, 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 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 1,082 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,082 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
CarriesVan Buren ST
CrossesRalston Creek
Location079061500
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.65671, -91.52872
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic1,082 (2022)
Projected traffic1,082 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 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 Van Buren ST over Ralston Creek built?

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

What condition is Van Buren ST 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 Van Buren ST over Ralston Creek carry?

About 1,082 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Van Buren ST over Ralston Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Van Buren ST over Ralston Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.