US Bridges

Ia 3 over Maple Creek

Fair

Buena Vista County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. W of SR M27 · Structure no. 000000000016190

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,650
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Maple Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ia 3 over Maple Creek in Buena Vista County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,650 vehicles a day, roughly 37% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,650 by 2042. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesMaple Creek
Location0.2 Mi. W of SR M27
RouteState Highway 3
CountyBuena Vista County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.74876, -95.37164
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,650 (2022)
Projected traffic1,650 by 2042
Trucks37%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Maple Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over Maple 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Maple Creek carry?

About 1,650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 37% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Maple Creek?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Maple Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.