US Bridges

Ia 38 over Sandy Creek

Good

Jones County, Iowa · 2.6 Mi. S of SR D-47. · Structure no. 000000000032401

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,380
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over Sandy Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Ia 38 over Sandy Creek in Jones County, Iowa. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,380 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,380 by 2044. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesIa 38
CrossesSandy Creek
Location2.6 Mi. S of SR D-47.
RouteState Highway 38
StateIowa
Coordinates42.29342, -91.19837
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.6 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,380 (2022)
Projected traffic2,380 by 2044
Trucks10%
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 Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 38 over Sandy Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 38 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 2,380 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Ia 38 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.