US Bridges

Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 079242800 · Structure no. 000000000505055

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,534
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 5,534 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,534 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDelaware Ave
Crosses7th Ward Ditch
Location079242800
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.62668, -93.58132
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,534 (2022)
Projected traffic5,534 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch 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 Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch carry?

About 5,534 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns Delaware Ave over 7th Ward Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.