US Bridges

Ia 5 over Chariton River

Fair

Appanoose County, Iowa · 0.5 Mi. N of SR J29 · Structure no. 000000000013950

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
413 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,470
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 5 over Chariton River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 5 over Chariton River in Appanoose County, Iowa. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 5 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 3,470 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,470 by 2044. The structure is 413 ft (125.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 5
CrossesChariton River
Location0.5 Mi. N of SR J29
RouteState Highway 5
CountyAppanoose County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.78985, -92.8582
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.7 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length413 ft (125.9 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,470 (2022)
Projected traffic3,470 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 5 over Chariton River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 5 over Chariton River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 5 over Chariton River carry?

About 3,470 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Ia 5 over Chariton River?

The structure is 413 ft (125.9 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 5 over Chariton River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.