US Bridges

Ia 3 over North Lizard Creek

Fair

Pocahontas County, Iowa · 0.8 Mi. W of Ia 15 · Structure no. 000000000040141

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,390
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 3 over North Lizard Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Ia 3 over North Lizard Creek in Pocahontas County, Iowa. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 6 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 2,390 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,390 by 2042. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

CarriesIa 3
CrossesNorth Lizard Creek
Location0.8 Mi. W of Ia 15
RouteState Highway 3
StateIowa
Coordinates42.73276, -94.55699
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,390 (2022)
Projected traffic2,390 by 2042
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 North Lizard Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 3 over North Lizard Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 3 over North Lizard Creek carry?

About 2,390 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is Ia 3 over North Lizard Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 3 over North Lizard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.