US Bridges

US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80

Fair

Cedar County, Iowa · At E Jct. Iowa 38 · Structure no. 000000000018320

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
219 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,280
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80 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 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 2,280 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,280 by 2044. The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 6 & Ia 38
CrossesI-80
LocationAt E Jct. Iowa 38
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyCedar County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.63644, -91.03567
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.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length219 ft (66.8 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,280 (2022)
Projected traffic2,280 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80 built?

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

What condition is US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80 carry?

About 2,280 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80?

The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 & Ia 38 over I-80?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.