US Bridges

US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR

Fair

Lucas County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. E of W Jct. US 65 · Structure no. 000000000034221

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
217 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,560
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR in Lucas County, Iowa. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 5 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 3,560 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,560 by 2043. The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 34 & 65
CrossesOver BNSF RR
Location0.1 Mi. E of W Jct. US 65
RouteU.S. Route 34
CountyLucas County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.02789, -93.46911
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length217 ft (66.1 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.7 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,560 (2022)
Projected traffic3,560 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR carry?

About 3,560 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR?

The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 & 65 over Over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.