US Bridges

Ia 38 over Walnut Creek

Fair

Jones County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. S of S JCT SR E45 · Structure no. 000000000032311

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
201 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over Walnut Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 38 over Walnut Creek in Jones County, Iowa. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 1,550 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,550 by 2043. The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 38
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location0.3 Mi. S of S JCT SR E45
RouteState Highway 38
CountyJones County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.99555, -91.1416
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.6 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length201 ft (61.3 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,550 (2022)
Projected traffic1,550 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Ia 38 over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 38 over Walnut 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 38 over Walnut Creek carry?

About 1,550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 38 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.