US Bridges

Ia 48 over Rocky Branch

Fair

Page County, Iowa · 1.2 Mi. S of SR M-41 · Structure no. 000000000038870

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
134 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,380
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 48 over Rocky Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ia 48 over Rocky Branch in Page County, Iowa. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 2,380 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,380 by 2043. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 48
CrossesRocky Branch
Location1.2 Mi. S of SR M-41
RouteState Highway 48
CountyPage County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.82098, -95.32088
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,380 (2022)
Projected traffic2,380 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 48 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 48 over Rocky Branch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 48 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 2,380 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Ia 48 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 48 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.