US Bridges

Ia 3 over Shell Rock River

Fair

Butler County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. W of Shell Rock · Structure no. 000000000016560

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
466 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,540
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Shell Rock River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Shell Rock River in Butler County, Iowa. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 3,540 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,540 by 2042. The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesShell Rock River
Location0.1 Mi. W of Shell Rock
RouteState Highway 3
CountyButler County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.72275, -92.5857
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length466 ft (142 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,540 (2022)
Projected traffic3,540 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Shell Rock River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over Shell Rock River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Shell Rock River carry?

About 3,540 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Shell Rock River?

The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Shell Rock River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.