US Bridges

E University over Small Creek

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 078230600 · Structure no. 000000000609410

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,200
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

E University over Small Creek is a concrete culvert carrying E University over Small Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 27,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,200 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesE University
CrossesSmall Creek
Location078230600
RouteState Highway 163
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60047, -93.55877
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic27,200 (2022)
Projected traffic27,200 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 E University over Small Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is E University over Small 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does E University over Small Creek carry?

About 27,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is E University over Small Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns E University over Small Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.