US Bridges

Ia 3 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr

Fair

Fayette County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. W of Jct. SR V68 · Structure no. 000000000024430

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,730
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr in Fayette County, Iowa. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,730 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,730 by 2042. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 3
CrossesLittle Wapsipinicon Rvr
Location0.2 Mi. W of Jct. SR V68
RouteState Highway 3
CountyFayette County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.71486, -92.04193
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.6 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,730 (2022)
Projected traffic1,730 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Wapsipinicon Rvr built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr carry?

About 1,730 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.