US Bridges

Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines River

Good

Emmet County, Iowa · 1.1 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 9 · Structure no. 000000000024281

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
272 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,960
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines River in Emmet County, Iowa. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 2,960 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,960 by 2044. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesIa 4
CrossesWest Fk Des Moines River
Location1.1 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 9
RouteState Highway 4
StateIowa
Coordinates43.38706, -94.83066
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating60.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,960 (2022)
Projected traffic2,960 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines River carry?

About 2,960 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines River?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 4 over West Fk Des Moines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.