US Bridges

Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Bremer County, Iowa · 2.1 Mi. W of Jct. SR V56 · Structure no. 000000000015620

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,960
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 96 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 1,960 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,960 by 2044. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.1 Mi. W of Jct. SR V56
RouteState Highway 3
CountyBremer County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.7148, -92.18225
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,960 (2022)
Projected traffic1,960 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,960 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.