US Bridges

NB US 61 over Skunk River

Good

Des Moines County, Iowa · 0.5 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 16 · Structure no. 000000000601960

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
687 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US 61 over Skunk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB US 61 over Skunk River in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,100 by 2044. The structure is 687 ft (209.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesNB US 61
CrossesSkunk River
Location0.5 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 16
RouteU.S. Route 61
StateIowa
Coordinates40.72521, -91.2121
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating62.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length687 ft (209.4 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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 NB US 61 over Skunk River built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB US 61 over Skunk River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

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

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

How long is NB US 61 over Skunk River?

The structure is 687 ft (209.4 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NB US 61 over Skunk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.