US Bridges

Nature Ave over Plymouth Creek

FairPosted for load

Plymouth County, Iowa · 092453602 · Structure no. 000000000274770

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nature Ave over Plymouth Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nature Ave over Plymouth Creek in Plymouth County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 5 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 load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2044. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNature Ave
CrossesPlymouth Creek
Location092453602
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPlymouth County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.74653, -96.11641
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic100 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Nature Ave over Plymouth Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nature Ave over Plymouth 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 Nature Ave over Plymouth Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Nature Ave over Plymouth Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Nature Ave over Plymouth Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.