US Bridges

US 65 over Chariton River

Fair

Lucas County, Iowa · 2.2 Mi. N of Jct. SR H50 · Structure no. 000000000034361

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
191 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,260
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 65 over Chariton River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 65 over Chariton River in Lucas County, Iowa. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 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 1,260 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,260 by 2043. The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesUS 65
CrossesChariton River
Location2.2 Mi. N of Jct. SR H50
RouteU.S. Route 65
StateIowa
Coordinates40.96306, -93.47083
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length191 ft (58.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,260 (2022)
Projected traffic1,260 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 65 over Chariton River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 65 over Chariton 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 65 over Chariton River carry?

About 1,260 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 65 over Chariton River?

The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 65 over Chariton River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.