US Bridges

SB US 61 over Skunk River

Fair

Des Moines County, Iowa · 0.5 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 16 · Structure no. 000000000023450

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
690 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB US 61 over Skunk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SB US 61 over Skunk River in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,100 by 2044. The structure is 690 ft (210.3 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSB US 61
CrossesSkunk River
Location0.5 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 16
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.7262, -91.20996
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length690 ft (210.3 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2022)
Projected traffic5,100 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 SB US 61 over Skunk River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB US 61 over Skunk 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SB US 61 over Skunk River carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SB US 61 over Skunk River?

The structure is 690 ft (210.3 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SB US 61 over Skunk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.