US Bridges

University Ave over North Walnut Creek

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 078250300 · Structure no. 000000000501231

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
86 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,490
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Ave over North Walnut Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying University Ave over North Walnut Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 11,490 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11,490 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUniversity Ave
CrossesNorth Walnut Creek
Location078250300
RouteCity Street 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60038, -93.71892
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating91.2 US tons
Inventory rating54.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.1 m)
Roadway width74 ft (22.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,490 (2022)
Projected traffic11,490 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was University Ave over North Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Ave over North Walnut Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does University Ave over North Walnut Creek carry?

About 11,490 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is University Ave over North Walnut Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns University Ave over North Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.