US Bridges

US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets

Fair

Des Moines County, Iowa · 1.4 Mi. E of Jct. US 61 · Structure no. 000000000602935

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
681 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,050
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 3,050 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,050 by 2044. The structure is 681 ft (207.6 m) long and 25 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 34 Ramp
CrossesBNSF RR & City Streets
Location1.4 Mi. E of Jct. US 61
RouteU.S. Route 34
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.81546, -91.11117
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.3 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length681 ft (207.6 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,050 (2022)
Projected traffic3,050 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed—
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 US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets carry?

About 3,050 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets?

The structure is 681 ft (207.6 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 Ramp over BNSF RR & City Streets?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.