US Bridges

US 63 over Moon Creek

Good

Poweshiek County, Iowa · 4.1 Mi. S of Ia 85 · Structure no. 000000000045781

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,530
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Moon Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 63 over Moon Creek in Poweshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 1,530 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,530 by 2044. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 63
CrossesMoon Creek
Location4.1 Mi. S of Ia 85
RouteU.S. Route 63
StateIowa
Coordinates41.53213, -92.55118
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating46.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,530 (2022)
Projected traffic1,530 by 2044
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 63 over Moon Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 63 over Moon Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 63 over Moon Creek carry?

About 1,530 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Moon Creek?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 63 over Moon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.