US Bridges

215th ST over Des Moines River

PoorPosted for load

Humboldt County, Iowa · 092293403 · Structure no. 000000000184870

Built
1899
126 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
253 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

215th ST over Des Moines River is a steel truss - thru carrying 215th ST over Des Moines River in Humboldt County, Iowa. It was built in 1899, so it is 126 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries215th ST
CrossesDes Moines River
Location092293403
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHumboldt County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.73903, -94.25363
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating6.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span170 ft (51.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic50 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 215th ST over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1899, making it 126 years old in 2025.

What condition is 215th ST over Des Moines River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does 215th ST over Des Moines River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is 215th ST over Des Moines River?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 170 ft (51.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 215th ST over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.