US Bridges

Ash ST over Des Moines ST

FairPosted for load

Des Moines County, Iowa · 700234000 · Structure no. 000000000000871

Built
1882
143 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
565
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ash ST over Des Moines ST is a masonry arch - deck carrying Ash ST over Des Moines ST in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1882 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 143 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 565 vehicles a day, projected to reach 565 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAsh ST
CrossesDes Moines ST
Location700234000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.8245, -91.10694
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic565 (2022)
Projected traffic565 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ash ST over Des Moines ST built?

It was built in 1882, making it 143 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Ash ST over Des Moines ST 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 September 2022.

How much traffic does Ash ST over Des Moines ST carry?

About 565 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Ash ST over Des Moines ST?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Ash ST over Des Moines ST?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.