US Bridges

US 20 US 52 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Dubuque County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. W Jct. SR Y21 · Structure no. 000000000023810

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 US 52 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 20 US 52 over Drainage Ditch in Dubuque County, Iowa. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1985, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 12,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,500 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 20 US 52
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.3 Mi. W Jct. SR Y21
RouteU.S. Route 20
StateIowa
Coordinates42.4408, -90.85617
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,500 (2022)
Projected traffic12,500 by 2042
Trucks14%
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 US 52 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is US 20 US 52 over Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does US 20 US 52 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 12,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 20 US 52 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 20 US 52 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.