US Bridges

Forest Ave over Closes Creek

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000003780

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
79 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,608
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forest Ave over Closes Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forest Ave over Closes Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1981, 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.

It carries about 2,608 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,608 by 2043. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesForest Ave
CrossesCloses Creek
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60398, -93.66673
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,608 (2022)
Projected traffic2,608 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$17,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest Ave over Closes Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Forest Ave over Closes 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Forest Ave over Closes Creek carry?

About 2,608 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Forest Ave over Closes Creek?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Ave over Closes Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.