US Bridges

US 61 over Smith Creek

Fair

Des Moines County, Iowa · 4.1 Mi. N of SR H-38 · Structure no. 000000000023511

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,430
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Smith Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 61 over Smith Creek in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 61
CrossesSmith Creek
Location4.1 Mi. N of SR H-38
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.06512, -91.17847
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating52.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,430 (2022)
Projected traffic4,430 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 US 61 over Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over 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 Smith Creek carry?

About 4,430 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Smith Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 61 over Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.