US Bridges

5th Ave over Drainage Ditch

Poor

Webster County, Iowa · 089282700 · Structure no. 000000000052120

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
73 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,894
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

5th Ave over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying 5th Ave over Drainage Ditch in Webster County, Iowa. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 8,894 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,894 by 2044. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries5th Ave
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location089282700
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWebster County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.50123, -94.14621
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating49.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,894 (2022)
Projected traffic8,894 by 2044
Trucks0%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$625,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 5th Ave over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is 5th Ave over Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does 5th Ave over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 8,894 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 5th Ave over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns 5th Ave over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.