US Bridges

Ia 38 over Wapsipinicon River

Fair

Jones County, Iowa · 0.8 Mi. S of N JCT SR E45 · Structure no. 000000000032321

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
624 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,410
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over Wapsipinicon River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 38 over Wapsipinicon River 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 1,410 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,410 by 2043. The structure is 624 ft (190.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 38
CrossesWapsipinicon River
Location0.8 Mi. S of N JCT SR E45
RouteState Highway 38
CountyJones County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.00808, -91.14016
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.7 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length624 ft (190.2 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,410 (2021)
Projected traffic1,410 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Wapsipinicon River built?

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

What condition is Ia 38 over Wapsipinicon 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 38 over Wapsipinicon River carry?

About 1,410 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over Wapsipinicon River?

The structure is 624 ft (190.2 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 38 over Wapsipinicon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.