US Bridges

I-80 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Cedar County, Iowa · 1.0 Mi. E of E Jct. Ia 38 · Structure no. 000000000018680

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
36,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-80 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-80 over Drainage Ditch in Cedar County, Iowa. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 36,000 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,000 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesI-80
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.0 Mi. E of E Jct. Ia 38
RouteInterstate 80
CountyCedar County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.63325, -91.01775
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,000 (2023)
Projected traffic36,000 by 2043
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-80 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is I-80 over Drainage Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-80 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 36,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is I-80 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-80 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.