US Bridges

US 69 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Hancock County, Iowa · 2.2 Mi. S of S Jct. US 18 · Structure no. 000000000026890

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,450
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 69 over Drainage Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 69 over Drainage Ditch in Hancock County, Iowa. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 95 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 2,450 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,450 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesUS 69
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.2 Mi. S of S Jct. US 18
RouteU.S. Route 69
StateIowa
Coordinates43.0739, -93.61618
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,450 (2022)
Projected traffic2,450 by 2044
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 69 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is US 69 over Drainage Ditch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 69 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,450 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 69 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 69 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.