US Bridges

US 34 WB over BNSF RR

Good

Des Moines County, Iowa · 3.1 Mi. W of Jct. US 61 · Structure no. 000000000608065

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
223 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 WB over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 WB over BNSF RR in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 4,700 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,700 by 2044. The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 34 WB
CrossesBNSF RR
Location3.1 Mi. W of Jct. US 61
RouteU.S. Route 34
StateIowa
Coordinates40.82804, -91.19082
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94.7 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length223 ft (68 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width49 ft (15 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,700 (2022)
Projected traffic4,700 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 WB over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 WB over BNSF RR 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 34 WB over BNSF RR carry?

About 4,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 34 WB over BNSF RR?

The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 WB over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.