US Bridges

Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek

Fair

Henry County, Iowa · 071061506 · Structure no. 000000000028490

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,290
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 2,290 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,290 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIowa HWY 438
CrossesHeaths Creek
Location071061506
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.94922, -91.53963
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,290 (2022)
Projected traffic2,290 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek carry?

About 2,290 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Iowa HWY 438 over Heaths Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.