US Bridges

Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Bremer County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. W of Jct. US 218 · Structure no. 000000000015550

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,100 by 2042. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.2 Mi. W of Jct. US 218
RouteState Highway 3
CountyBremer County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.7151, -92.53872
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2022)
Projected traffic6,100 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 3 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.