US Bridges

Ia 38 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Jones County, Iowa · 5.8 Mi. N of E JCT Ia 64 · Structure no. 000000000032370

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
630
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Ia 38 over Drainage Ditch in Jones 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 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 630 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 630 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesIa 38
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location5.8 Mi. N of E JCT Ia 64
RouteState Highway 38
CountyJones County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.14633, -91.09822
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic630 (2022)
Projected traffic630 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Drainage Ditch built?

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

What condition is Ia 38 over Drainage Ditch 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 Drainage Ditch carry?

About 630 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Ia 38 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.