US Bridges

5th Ave over Little Big Creek

PoorPosted for load

Linn County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000011040

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
232
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

5th Ave over Little Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 5th Ave over Little Big Creek in Linn County, Iowa. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 232 vehicles a day, projected to reach 232 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 16 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries5th Ave
CrossesLittle Big Creek
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLinn County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.06142, -91.44082
Functional classRural 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating18.5 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic232 (2021)
Projected traffic232 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 5th Ave over Little Big Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is 5th Ave over Little Big 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does 5th Ave over Little Big Creek carry?

About 232 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is 5th Ave over Little Big Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 5th Ave over Little Big Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.