US Bridges

US 59 over Branch Soldier River

Fair

Ida County, Iowa · 3.9 Mi. S of S JCT Ia 175 · Structure no. 000000000029120

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,720
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Branch Soldier River is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Branch Soldier River in Ida County, Iowa. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,720 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,720 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesBranch Soldier River
Location3.9 Mi. S of S JCT Ia 175
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateIowa
Coordinates42.27571, -95.43937
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating22.2 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,720 (2023)
Projected traffic1,720 by 2044
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 59 over Branch Soldier River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Branch Soldier 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Branch Soldier River carry?

About 1,720 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Branch Soldier River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m).

Who owns US 59 over Branch Soldier River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.