US Bridges

Ia 3 over Crains Creek

Fair

Bremer County, Iowa · 3.4 Mi. E of Jct. 63 · Structure no. 000000000015610

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,830
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Crains Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Crains Creek in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 2,830 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,830 by 2042. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesCrains Creek
Location3.4 Mi. E of Jct. 63
RouteState Highway 3
CountyBremer County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.71507, -92.2703
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,830 (2022)
Projected traffic2,830 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Crains Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over Crains Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Crains Creek carry?

About 2,830 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Crains Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Crains Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.