US Bridges

Ia 38 over Sibles Creek

Fair

Jones County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. S of SR E53 · Structure no. 000000000032290

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
74 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,080
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over Sibles Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 38 over Sibles Creek in Jones County, Iowa. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 1,080 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,080 by 2044. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 38
CrossesSibles Creek
Location0.3 Mi. S of SR E53
RouteState Highway 38
CountyJones County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.96112, -91.14989
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,080 (2022)
Projected traffic1,080 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 38 over Sibles Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 38 over Sibles 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 38 over Sibles Creek carry?

About 1,080 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over Sibles Creek?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 38 over Sibles Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.