US Bridges

Ia 4 over Ditch #49

Good

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 5.2 Mi. N. of Jct. US 18 · Structure no. 000000000039241

Built
2018
7 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,010
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 4 over Ditch #49 is a concrete culvert carrying Ia 4 over Ditch #49 in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 2018, so it is 7 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,010 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,010 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 4
CrossesDitch #49
Location5.2 Mi. N. of Jct. US 18
RouteState Highway 4
CountyPalo Alto County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.20216, -94.75821
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,010 (2022)
Projected traffic2,010 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 4 over Ditch #49 built?

It was built in 2018, making it 7 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 4 over Ditch #49 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 4 over Ditch #49 carry?

About 2,010 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ia 4 over Ditch #49?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Ia 4 over Ditch #49?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.