US Bridges

US 63 over Crane Creek

Fair

Howard County, Iowa · 0.7 Mi. S of Jct. SR B17 · Structure no. 000000000028650

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
221 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,360
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Crane Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 63 over Crane Creek in Howard County, Iowa. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 4,360 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,360 by 2042. The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 63
CrossesCrane Creek
Location0.7 Mi. S of Jct. SR B17
RouteU.S. Route 63
CountyHoward County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.23886, -92.29881
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length221 ft (67.4 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,360 (2022)
Projected traffic4,360 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 US 63 over Crane Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 63 over Crane 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 63 over Crane Creek carry?

About 4,360 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Crane Creek?

The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 63 over Crane Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.