US Bridges

Ia 7 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Buena Vista County, Iowa · 1.2 Mi. E of E JCT US 71 · Structure no. 000000000016280

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,050
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 7 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Ia 7 over Drainage Ditch in Buena Vista County, Iowa. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2,050 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,050 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 7
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.2 Mi. E of E JCT US 71
RouteState Highway 7
CountyBuena Vista County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.60454, -95.12722
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic2,050 (2022)
Projected traffic2,050 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 7 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 7 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 7 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,050 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Ia 7 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Ia 7 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.