US Bridges

US 63 over Turkey River

Fair

Howard County, Iowa · 2.5 Mi. S of Jct. Ia #9 · Structure no. 000000000028670

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
93 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,830
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Turkey River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 63 over Turkey River 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 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 3,830 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,830 by 2042. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 63
CrossesTurkey River
Location2.5 Mi. S of Jct. Ia #9
RouteU.S. Route 63
StateIowa
Coordinates43.33495, -92.29865
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.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,830 (2022)
Projected traffic3,830 by 2042
Trucks30%
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 US 63 over Turkey River built?

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

What condition is US 63 over Turkey River 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 Turkey River carry?

About 3,830 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Turkey River?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 63 over Turkey River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.