US Bridges

170th Ave. over Bear Creek

Fair

Jones County, Iowa · 084030402 · Structure no. 000000000207381

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
51
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

170th Ave. over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying 170th Ave. over Bear Creek in Jones County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 51 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries170th Ave.
CrossesBear Creek
Location084030402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJones County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.10826, -91.20972
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic51 (2022)
Projected traffic51 by 2043
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 170th Ave. over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is 170th Ave. over Bear 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does 170th Ave. over Bear Creek carry?

About 51 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 170th Ave. over Bear Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 170th Ave. over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.