US Bridges

Ia 38 over Mad Creek

Fair

Muscatine County, Iowa · 0.6 Mi. N of Jct. US 61 · Structure no. 000000000038151

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
184 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 38 over Mad Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 38 over Mad Creek in Muscatine County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 8,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,200 by 2042. The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 38
CrossesMad Creek
Location0.6 Mi. N of Jct. US 61
RouteState Highway 38
CountyMuscatine County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.45971, -91.03133
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length184 ft (56.1 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,200 (2022)
Projected traffic8,200 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Ia 38 over Mad Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 38 over Mad Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 38 over Mad Creek carry?

About 8,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ia 38 over Mad Creek?

The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 38 over Mad Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.