US Bridges

I-35 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Cerro Gordo County, Iowa · At the Jct. SR B60 · Structure no. 000000000602270

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-35 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-35 over Drainage Ditch in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 17,700 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,700 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-35
CrossesDrainage Ditch
LocationAt the Jct. SR B60
RouteInterstate 35
StateIowa
Coordinates42.98006, -93.34447
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 inspectionAugust 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 rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,700 (2023)
Projected traffic17,700 by 2043
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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-35 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-35 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-35 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 17,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is I-35 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-35 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.