US Bridges

EB US 20 over R-38

Fair

Hamilton County, Iowa · At Junction With SR R38 · Structure no. 000000000603360

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,950
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

EB US 20 over R-38 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying EB US 20 over R-38 in Hamilton County, Iowa. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 4,950 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,950 by 2044. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEB US 20
CrossesR-38
LocationAt Junction With SR R38
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyHamilton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.44911, -93.71871
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,950 (2022)
Projected traffic4,950 by 2044
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was EB US 20 over R-38 built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is EB US 20 over R-38 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 EB US 20 over R-38 carry?

About 4,950 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is EB US 20 over R-38?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns EB US 20 over R-38?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.