US Bridges

NB US 63 over Cedar River

Fair

Black Hawk County, Iowa · 0.2 MI N of Jct. U.S. 218 · Structure no. 000000000014730

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
668 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US 63 over Cedar River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB US 63 over Cedar River in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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.

It carries about 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2043. The structure is 668 ft (203.6 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNB US 63
CrossesCedar River
Location0.2 MI N of Jct. U.S. 218
RouteU.S. Route 63
CountyBlack Hawk County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.49899, -92.34272
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length668 ft (203.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2022)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 NB US 63 over Cedar River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB US 63 over Cedar 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NB US 63 over Cedar River carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NB US 63 over Cedar River?

The structure is 668 ft (203.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns NB US 63 over Cedar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.