US Bridges

US 34 WB over Dmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR

Good

Des Moines County, Iowa · 5.4 Mi. W of Jct. U.S. 61 · Structure no. 000000000608770

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
525 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 34 WB over Dmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 34 WB over Dmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 4,000 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2044. The structure is 525 ft (160 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 34 WB
CrossesDmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR
Location5.4 Mi. W of Jct. U.S. 61
RouteU.S. Route 34
StateIowa
Coordinates40.83237, -91.26681
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.9 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length525 ft (160 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width49 ft (15 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,000 (2022)
Projected traffic4,000 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway and railroad
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 Dmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 34 WB over Dmc HWY 34 & 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 Dmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR carry?

About 4,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 34 WB over Dmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR?

The structure is 525 ft (160 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 34 WB over Dmc HWY 34 & BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.