US Bridges

US 63 over South Skunk River

Fair

Mahaska County, Iowa · 4.2 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 92 · Structure no. 000000000034901

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
467 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over South Skunk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 63 over South Skunk River in Mahaska County, Iowa. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 3,250 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,250 by 2044. The structure is 467 ft (142.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 63
CrossesSouth Skunk River
Location4.2 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 92
RouteU.S. Route 63
StateIowa
Coordinates41.35481, -92.65694
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating94.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length467 ft (142.3 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,250 (2022)
Projected traffic3,250 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 63 over South Skunk River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 63 over South Skunk 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 63 over South Skunk River carry?

About 3,250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over South Skunk River?

The structure is 467 ft (142.3 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 63 over South Skunk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.