US Bridges

US 63 over Ellsworth Creek

Good

Black Hawk County, Iowa · 1.8 Mi. N of SR C57 · Structure no. 000000000014772

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Ellsworth Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 63 over Ellsworth Creek in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 8,800 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,800 by 2042. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 63
CrossesEllsworth Creek
Location1.8 Mi. N of SR C57
RouteU.S. Route 63
StateIowa
Coordinates42.64041, -92.33739
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,800 (2022)
Projected traffic8,800 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 US 63 over Ellsworth Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 63 over Ellsworth 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US 63 over Ellsworth Creek carry?

About 8,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Ellsworth Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 63 over Ellsworth Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.