US Bridges

SW 42nd ST over Frink Creek

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 078243000 · Structure no. 000000000280921

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
121
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW 42nd ST over Frink Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SW 42nd ST over Frink Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 121 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 121 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSW 42nd ST
CrossesFrink Creek
Location078243000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.52911, -93.67426
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic121 (2022)
Projected traffic121 by 2043
Trucks3%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 SW 42nd ST over Frink Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SW 42nd ST over Frink 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 SW 42nd ST over Frink Creek carry?

About 121 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SW 42nd ST over Frink Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SW 42nd ST over Frink Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.