US Bridges

US 65 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 4.5 Miles N of JCT SR S14 · Structure no. 000000000040601

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 65 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 65 over Drainage Ditch in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 47 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 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 9,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,600 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 65
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location4.5 Miles N of JCT SR S14
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.73539, -93.40155
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 rating42.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 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 traffic9,600 (2022)
Projected traffic9,600 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 US 65 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is US 65 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 65 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 9,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 65 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 65 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.