US Bridges

Buffalo RD over Walnut Creek

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 078250300 · Structure no. 000000000504205

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
220 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
727
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buffalo RD over Walnut Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Buffalo RD over Walnut Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 727 vehicles a day, projected to reach 727 by 2043. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuffalo RD
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location078250300
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.59768, -93.71825
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating86.6 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic727 (2022)
Projected traffic727 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 Buffalo RD over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buffalo RD over Walnut 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 Buffalo RD over Walnut Creek carry?

About 727 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Buffalo RD over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Buffalo RD over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.