US Bridges

Ia 38 over I-80

Fair

Cedar County, Iowa · At N Jct. of I-80 · Structure no. 000000000018330

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
266 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,410
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over I-80 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 38 over I-80 in Cedar County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,410 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,410 by 2042. The structure is 266 ft (81.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 38
CrossesI-80
LocationAt N Jct. of I-80
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCedar County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.64536, -91.11447
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length266 ft (81.1 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,410 (2022)
Projected traffic2,410 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 38 over I-80 built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is 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 December 2022.

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

About 2,410 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over I-80?

The structure is 266 ft (81.1 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 38 over I-80?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.