US Bridges

US 20 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Buchanan County, Iowa · 4.2 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 150 · Structure no. 000000000604915

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 20 over Drainage Ditch in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 10,100 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,100 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 20
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location4.2 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 150
RouteU.S. Route 20
StateIowa
Coordinates42.44911, -91.97186
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.9 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,100 (2022)
Projected traffic10,100 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 US 20 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 20 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 20 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 10,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 20 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 20 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.