US Bridges

Ia 3 & 12 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Plymouth County, Iowa · At E JCT of Iowa 12 · Structure no. 000000000039751

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,340
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 & 12 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Ia 3 & 12 over Drainage Ditch in Plymouth County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, older 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 2,340 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,340 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesIa 3 & 12
CrossesDrainage Ditch
LocationAt E JCT of Iowa 12
RouteState Highway 3
StateIowa
Coordinates42.82276, -96.56435
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic2,340 (2022)
Projected traffic2,340 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 & 12 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 & 12 over Drainage Ditch 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 3 & 12 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,340 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 & 12 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Ia 3 & 12 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.