US Bridges

Ia 3 over Cedar River

Fair

Bremer County, Iowa · 3.7 Mi. E of Jct. US 218 · Structure no. 000000000015570

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
372 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Cedar River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Cedar River in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 8,300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,300 by 2042. The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesCedar River
Location3.7 Mi. E of Jct. US 218
RouteState Highway 3
CountyBremer County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.72578, -92.47142
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length372 ft (113.4 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.7 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,300 (2022)
Projected traffic8,300 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Cedar River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 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 October 2022.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Cedar River carry?

About 8,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Cedar River?

The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.7 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Cedar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.