US Bridges

Ia 3 over Big Sioux River

Good

Plymouth County, Iowa · 1.5 Mi. W of W Jct. Ia 12 · Structure no. 000000000039651

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
506 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,570
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Big Sioux River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Big Sioux River in Plymouth County, Iowa. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,570 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,570 by 2044. The structure is 506 ft (154.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesIa 3
CrossesBig Sioux River
Location1.5 Mi. W of W Jct. Ia 12
RouteState Highway 3
StateIowa
Coordinates42.76179, -96.63263
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.4 US tons
Inventory rating50.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length506 ft (154.2 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,570 (2022)
Projected traffic1,570 by 2044
Trucks29%
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 3 over Big Sioux River built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over Big Sioux River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Big Sioux River carry?

About 1,570 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Big Sioux River?

The structure is 506 ft (154.2 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Big Sioux River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.