US Bridges

US 63 over Minnow Creek

Good

Tama County, Iowa · 1.3 Miles N of JCT US 30 · Structure no. 000000000049601

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Minnow Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 63 over Minnow Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,900 by 2044. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 63
CrossesMinnow Creek
Location1.3 Miles N of JCT US 30
RouteU.S. Route 63
StateIowa
Coordinates42.00046, -92.58164
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 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 traffic3,900 (2022)
Projected traffic3,900 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
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 Minnow Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 63 over Minnow 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 63 over Minnow Creek carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Minnow Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 63 over Minnow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.