US Bridges

US 65 over West Fork Cedar River

Fair

Cerro Gordo County, Iowa · 2.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR C13 · Structure no. 000000000018860

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
214 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,230
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 65 over West Fork Cedar River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 65 over West Fork Cedar River in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 2,230 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,230 by 2043. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 65
CrossesWest Fork Cedar River
Location2.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR C13
RouteU.S. Route 65
StateIowa
Coordinates42.93613, -93.20259
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,230 (2023)
Projected traffic2,230 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 65 over West Fork Cedar River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 65 over West Fork Cedar 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 65 over West Fork Cedar River carry?

About 2,230 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 65 over West Fork Cedar River?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 65 over West Fork Cedar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.