US Bridges

US 63 over Rock Creek

Fair

Tama County, Iowa · 1.9 Mi. N of N JCT SR D65 · Structure no. 000000000049650

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 63 over Rock Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 63 over Rock Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 70 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 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 63
CrossesRock Creek
Location1.9 Mi. N of N JCT SR D65
RouteU.S. Route 63
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.28891, -92.45576
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 inspectionOctober 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2022)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US 63 over Rock 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 63 over Rock Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 63 over Rock Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns US 63 over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.