US Bridges

Ia 3 over Little Sioux River

Fair

Cherokee County, Iowa · 1.5 Mi. E of US 59 · Structure no. 000000000019460

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
324 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,230
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Little Sioux River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Little Sioux River in Cherokee 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 3,230 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,230 by 2042. The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location1.5 Mi. E of US 59
RouteState Highway 3
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.76025, -95.5294
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.2 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length324 ft (98.8 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,230 (2022)
Projected traffic3,230 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Ia 3 over Little Sioux River built?

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

What condition is Ia 3 over Little Sioux 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Little Sioux River carry?

About 3,230 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.