US Bridges

Balsam Ave over Creek

FairPosted for load

Mitchell County, Iowa · 100182004 · Structure no. 000000000249140

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balsam Ave over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Balsam Ave over Creek in Mitchell County, Iowa. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBalsam Ave
CrossesCreek
Location100182004
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMitchell County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.46315, -93.00572
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 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 Balsam Ave over Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balsam Ave over 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 2023.

How much traffic does Balsam Ave over Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Balsam Ave over Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Balsam Ave over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.