US Bridges

SB US 61 over BNSF RR

Fair

Des Moines County, Iowa · 0.8 Mi. N of Jct. U.S. 34 · Structure no. 000000000023483

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
193 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB US 61 over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SB US 61 over BNSF RR in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 48 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 5,750 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,750 by 2044. The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSB US 61
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.8 Mi. N of Jct. U.S. 34
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.82934, -91.14145
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating81.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length193 ft (58.8 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,750 (2022)
Projected traffic5,750 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SB US 61 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is SB US 61 over BNSF RR 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SB US 61 over BNSF RR carry?

About 5,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SB US 61 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SB US 61 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.