US Bridges

US 63 over Iowa River

Fair

Tama County, Iowa · 1.3 MI N of SR E64 · Structure no. 000000000049571

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
665 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,460
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Iowa River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 63 over Iowa River 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 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 3,460 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,460 by 2042. The structure is 665 ft (202.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 63
CrossesIowa River
Location1.3 MI N of SR E64
RouteU.S. Route 63
StateIowa
Coordinates41.95231, -92.57712
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating89.5 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length665 ft (202.7 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,460 (2022)
Projected traffic3,460 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Iowa River built?

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

What condition is US 63 over Iowa River 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 US 63 over Iowa River carry?

About 3,460 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Iowa River?

The structure is 665 ft (202.7 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 63 over Iowa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.