US Bridges

US 59 over Jensen Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Iowa · 1.2 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 44 · Structure no. 000000000605870

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,680
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Jensen Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 59 over Jensen Creek in Shelby County, Iowa. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 4,680 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,680 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesJensen Creek
Location1.2 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 44
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateIowa
Coordinates41.62877, -95.33391
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating97.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic4,680 (2023)
Projected traffic4,680 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
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 59 over Jensen Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Jensen 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Jensen Creek carry?

About 4,680 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Jensen Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 59 over Jensen Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.