US Bridges

Scott Ave over Des Moines River

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 078241000 · Structure no. 000000000003684

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete Continuous
Length
747 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,166
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Scott Ave over Des Moines River is a concrete continuous arch - deck carrying Scott Ave over Des Moines River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 88 years old, older 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 4,166 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,166 by 2043. The structure is 747 ft (227.7 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesScott Ave
CrossesDes Moines River
Location078241000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.57865, -93.61223
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length747 ft (227.7 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,166 (2022)
Projected traffic4,166 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Scott Ave over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is Scott Ave 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Scott Ave over Des Moines River carry?

About 4,166 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Scott Ave over Des Moines River?

The structure is 747 ft (227.7 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns Scott Ave over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.