US Bridges

US 63 over Upper Iowa River

Fair

Howard County, Iowa · 0.7 Mi. S of Mn St. Line · Structure no. 000000000028711

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
271 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,860
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Upper Iowa River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 63 over Upper Iowa River in Howard County, Iowa. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 3,860 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,860 by 2042. The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 63
CrossesUpper Iowa River
Location0.7 Mi. S of Mn St. Line
RouteU.S. Route 63
CountyHoward County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.49173, -92.36208
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating97.3 US tons
Inventory rating58.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length271 ft (82.6 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,860 (2022)
Projected traffic3,860 by 2042
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Upper Iowa River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 63 over Upper Iowa 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 Upper Iowa River carry?

About 3,860 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Upper Iowa River?

The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 63 over Upper Iowa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.