US Bridges

US 65 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Worth County, Iowa · 1.6 Mi. N of Jct. Ia #9 · Structure no. 000000000053950

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 65 over Drainage Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 65 over Drainage Ditch in Worth County, Iowa. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 97 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 65
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.6 Mi. N of Jct. Ia #9
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyWorth County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.30757, -93.2111
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2023)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 65 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US 65 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 65 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 65 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US 65 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.