US Bridges

US 20 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Delaware County, Iowa · 2.3 Mi. E of Jct. Ia 38 · Structure no. 000000000023100

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 20 over Drainage Ditch in Delaware County, Iowa. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 62 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 9,000 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,000 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 20
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.3 Mi. E of Jct. Ia 38
RouteU.S. Route 20
StateIowa
Coordinates42.47092, -91.29991
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic9,000 (2022)
Projected traffic9,000 by 2044
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 20 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 20 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 20 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 9,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 20 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 20 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.