US Bridges

Central Ave over US 34

Fair

Des Moines County, Iowa · 1.7 MI E of JCT US 61 · Structure no. 000000000023620

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
144 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Ave over US 34 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Central Ave over US 34 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 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 5,800 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,800 by 2043. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Ave
CrossesUS 34
Location1.7 MI E of JCT US 61
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.81554, -91.1102
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating89.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,800 (2022)
Projected traffic5,800 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Central Ave over US 34 built?

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

What condition is Central Ave over US 34 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Central Ave over US 34 carry?

About 5,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Central Ave over US 34?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Central Ave over US 34?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.