US 61 over Branch Smith Creek
FairDes Moines County, Iowa · 3.7 Mi. N of SR H-38 · Structure no. 000000000023500
- Built
- 1927
- 98 years old, rebuilt 1960
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 36 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 4,430
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 61 over Branch Smith Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 61 over Branch Smith Creek in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 98 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 4,430 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,430 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 61 over Branch Smith Creek built?
It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.
What condition is US 61 over Branch Smith Creek 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 2023.
How much traffic does US 61 over Branch Smith Creek carry?
About 4,430 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.
How long is US 61 over Branch Smith Creek?
The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.
Who owns US 61 over Branch Smith Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.