US Bridges

Ia 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 1.2 Miles W of JCT US 65 · Structure no. 000000000040960

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
596 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
10,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Ia 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 10,750 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,750 by 2042. The structure is 596 ft (181.7 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 163 WB
CrossesE 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl
Location1.2 Miles W of JCT US 65
RouteState Highway 163
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.59972, -93.51959
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length596 ft (181.7 m)
Longest span127 ft (38.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,750 (2022)
Projected traffic10,750 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl carry?

About 10,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Ia 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl?

The structure is 596 ft (181.7 m) long with a longest span of 127 ft (38.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 163 WB over E 4 MI Iai RR & N Pl Hl?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.