US Bridges

Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Pocahontas County, Iowa · 5.1 Mi. W of Ia 4 · Structure no. 000000000040090

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,510
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch in Pocahontas County, Iowa. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 1,510 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,510 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesIa 3
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location5.1 Mi. W of Ia 4
RouteState Highway 3
CountyPocahontas County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.73253, -94.7796
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.7 US tons
Inventory rating33.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,510 (2022)
Projected traffic1,510 by 2044
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 3 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,510 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.