US Bridges

US 6 over Iowa River

Fair

Johnson County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. E of E Jct. Ia 1 · Structure no. 000000000031570

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
324 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
27,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 over Iowa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 6 over Iowa River in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 27,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,600 by 2044. The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 6
CrossesIowa River
Location0.2 Mi. E of E Jct. Ia 1
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyJohnson County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.64666, -91.53707
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length324 ft (98.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.8 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,600 (2022)
Projected traffic27,600 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 6 over Iowa River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 6 over 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 6 over Iowa River carry?

About 27,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 6 over Iowa River?

The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 over Iowa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.