US Bridges

US 61 over Iowa River

Fair

Louisa County, Iowa · 4.2 Mi. S of Jct. Iowa 92 · Structure no. 000000000034011

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,040 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,950
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Iowa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 61 over Iowa River in Louisa County, Iowa. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 4,950 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,950 by 2044. The structure is 1,040 ft (317 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesUS 61
CrossesIowa River
Location4.2 Mi. S of Jct. Iowa 92
RouteU.S. Route 61
StateIowa
Coordinates41.21534, -91.19887
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.4 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,040 ft (317 m)
Longest span137 ft (41.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,950 (2022)
Projected traffic4,950 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 61 over Iowa River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over Iowa 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 61 over Iowa River carry?

About 4,950 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Iowa River?

The structure is 1,040 ft (317 m) long with a longest span of 137 ft (41.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 61 over Iowa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.