US Bridges

Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow

Fair

Bremer County, Iowa · 1.0 Mi. E of Jct. US 218 · Structure no. 000000000015750

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
242 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
930
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 930 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 930 by 2044. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 188
CrossesCedar River Overflow
Location1.0 Mi. E of Jct. US 218
RouteState Highway 188
CountyBremer County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.84752, -92.52589
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic930 (2022)
Projected traffic930 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow carry?

About 930 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 188 over Cedar River Overflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.