US Bridges

FM 50th Ave over Black Cat Creek

Fair

Kossuth County, Iowa · 097302302 · Structure no. 000000000216171

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 50th Ave over Black Cat Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 50th Ave over Black Cat Creek in Kossuth County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 180 vehicles a day, projected to reach 180 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM 50th Ave
CrossesBlack Cat Creek
Location097302302
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates43.20491, -94.36405
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length90 ft (27.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2021)
Projected traffic180 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 50th Ave over Black Cat Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 50th Ave over Black Cat 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 FM 50th Ave over Black Cat Creek carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM 50th Ave over Black Cat Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 50th Ave over Black Cat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.