US Bridges

HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Webster County, Iowa · 088301401 · Structure no. 000000000052041

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
98 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,482
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch in Webster County, Iowa. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 1,482 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,482 by 2043. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY 20
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location088301401
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWebster County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.43716, -94.30834
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating90.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,482 (2022)
Projected traffic1,482 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,482 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 20 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.