US Bridges

Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River

Fair

Lee County, Iowa · St. Francis Border Bridge · Structure no. 000000000603985

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
907 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River in Lee County, Iowa. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 3,650 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,650 by 2043. The structure is 907 ft (276.5 m) long and 41 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 27 SB
CrossesDes Moines River
LocationSt. Francis Border Bridge
RouteState Highway 27
CountyLee County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.46375, -91.56857
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length907 ft (276.5 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,650 (2023)
Projected traffic3,650 by 2043
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River carry?

About 3,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River?

The structure is 907 ft (276.5 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 27 SB over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.