US Bridges

NW 166th Ave over Little Creek

Poor

Polk County, Iowa · 081250501 · Structure no. 000000000283080

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
80
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NW 166th Ave over Little Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NW 166th Ave over Little Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNW 166th Ave
CrossesLittle Creek
Location081250501
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.86346, -93.78364
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2022)
Projected traffic80 by 2043
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NW 166th Ave over Little Creek built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is NW 166th Ave over Little Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does NW 166th Ave over Little Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is NW 166th Ave over Little Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns NW 166th Ave over Little Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.