US Bridges

US 6 & Ia 38 over Otter Creek

Fair

Cedar County, Iowa · 2.2 Mi. S of Jct. I-80 · Structure no. 000000000018310

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,520
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 & Ia 38 over Otter Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 6 & Ia 38 over Otter Creek in Cedar 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 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 3,520 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,520 by 2042. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 6 & Ia 38
CrossesOtter Creek
Location2.2 Mi. S of Jct. I-80
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyCedar County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60456, -91.03606
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,520 (2022)
Projected traffic3,520 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 6 & Ia 38 over Otter Creek built?

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

What condition is US 6 & Ia 38 over Otter 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 6 & Ia 38 over Otter Creek carry?

About 3,520 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 6 & Ia 38 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 & Ia 38 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.