US Bridges

US 65 over Blake Creek

Fair

Cerro Gordo County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. S of Jct. SR B15 · Structure no. 000000000019040

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
48 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,690
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 65 over Blake Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 65 over Blake Creek in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 4,690 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,690 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 65
CrossesBlake Creek
Location0.1 Mi. S of Jct. SR B15
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyCerro Gordo County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.23993, -93.21053
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length48 ft (14.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,690 (2023)
Projected traffic4,690 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 65 over Blake Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 65 over Blake 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 65 over Blake Creek carry?

About 4,690 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 65 over Blake Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 65 over Blake Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.