US Bridges

Ia 4 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Emmet County, Iowa · 1.5 Mi. N of N JCT SR A34 · Structure no. 000000000024271

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,050
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 4 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ia 4 over Drainage Ditch in Emmet County, Iowa. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 2,050 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,050 by 2044. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesIa 4
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.5 Mi. N of N JCT SR A34
RouteState Highway 4
StateIowa
Coordinates43.34235, -94.79718
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating54.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,050 (2022)
Projected traffic2,050 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 4 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 4 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 4 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,050 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ia 4 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 4 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.