US Bridges

NW 5th ST over Rock Creek

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 080241606 · Structure no. 000000000282011

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,820
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 5th ST over Rock Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NW 5th ST over Rock Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 1,820 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,820 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW 5th ST
CrossesRock Creek
Location080241606
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.73544, -93.64217
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic1,820 (2021)
Projected traffic1,820 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 NW 5th ST over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW 5th ST over Rock 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NW 5th ST over Rock Creek carry?

About 1,820 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is NW 5th ST over Rock Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NW 5th ST over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.