US Bridges

550th Ave over Ballard Creek

FairPosted for load

Story County, Iowa · 082231909 · Structure no. 000000000314140

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
110
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

550th Ave over Ballard Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 550th Ave over Ballard Creek in Story County, Iowa. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 75 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 110 vehicles a day, projected to reach 110 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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Carries550th Ave
CrossesBallard Creek
Location082231909
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyStory County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.9057, -93.57836
Functional classRural 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating32.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2022)
Projected traffic110 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 550th Ave over Ballard Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is 550th Ave over Ballard 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does 550th Ave over Ballard Creek carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 550th Ave over Ballard Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 550th Ave over Ballard Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.