US Bridges

Ia 48 over East Nishnabotna River

Fair

Cass County, Iowa · 2.0 Mi. S of Jct. 6 · Structure no. 000000000017720

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
325 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,120
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 48 over East Nishnabotna River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 48 over East Nishnabotna River in Cass County, Iowa. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,120 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,120 by 2042. The structure is 325 ft (99.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 48
CrossesEast Nishnabotna River
Location2.0 Mi. S of Jct. 6
RouteState Highway 48
CountyCass County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.28792, -95.13726
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.7 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length325 ft (99.1 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,120 (2022)
Projected traffic1,120 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 48 over East Nishnabotna River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 48 over East Nishnabotna 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 48 over East Nishnabotna River carry?

About 1,120 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Ia 48 over East Nishnabotna River?

The structure is 325 ft (99.1 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 48 over East Nishnabotna River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.