US Bridges

US 52 over Upper Iowa River

Fair

Winneshiek County, Iowa · 1.8 Mi. N of Jct. Iowa 9 · Structure no. 000000000052560

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
412 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,340
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Upper Iowa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 52 over Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 3,340 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,340 by 2044. The structure is 412 ft (125.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesUpper Iowa River
Location1.8 Mi. N of Jct. Iowa 9
RouteU.S. Route 52
CountyWinneshiek County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.31526, -91.8144
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.1 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length412 ft (125.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,340 (2022)
Projected traffic3,340 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 52 over Upper Iowa River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 over Upper 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 52 over Upper Iowa River carry?

About 3,340 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Upper Iowa River?

The structure is 412 ft (125.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Upper Iowa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.