US Bridges

US 63 over Richland Creek

Good

Tama County, Iowa · 3.1 Miles South of SR E64 · Structure no. 000000000049561

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
209 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,490
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Richland Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 63 over Richland Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1978, 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 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 2,490 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,490 by 2042. The structure is 209 ft (63.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesUS 63
CrossesRichland Creek
Location3.1 Miles South of SR E64
RouteU.S. Route 63
StateIowa
Coordinates41.89075, -92.58154
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 rating93.6 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length209 ft (63.7 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,490 (2022)
Projected traffic2,490 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 Richland Creek built?

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

What condition is US 63 over Richland 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 63 over Richland Creek carry?

About 2,490 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 209 ft (63.7 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 63 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.