US Bridges

Ia 38 over US 20

Fair

Delaware County, Iowa · At the Jct. of US 20 · Structure no. 000000000602050

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
285 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,180
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over US 20 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 38 over US 20 in Delaware County, Iowa. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 2,180 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,180 by 2042. The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 38
CrossesUS 20
LocationAt the Jct. of US 20
RouteState Highway 38
CountyDelaware County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.4693, -91.34507
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length285 ft (86.9 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,180 (2022)
Projected traffic2,180 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 38 over US 20 built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 38 over US 20 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 38 over US 20 carry?

About 2,180 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over US 20?

The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 38 over US 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.