US Bridges

US 59 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Shelby County, Iowa · 2.8 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 44 · Structure no. 000000000047790

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 59 over Drainage Ditch in Shelby County, Iowa. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.8 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 44
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60649, -95.33496
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic5,000 (2023)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 59 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 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 US 59 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 59 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.