US Bridges

Court Ave over Des Moines River

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 000000000 · Structure no. 000000000003690

Built
1918
107 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete Continuous
Length
496 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,112
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Court Ave over Des Moines River is a concrete continuous arch - deck carrying Court Ave over Des Moines River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1918 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 107 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 9,112 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,112 by 2043. The structure is 496 ft (151.2 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCourt Ave
CrossesDes Moines River
Location000000000
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.58589, -93.61759
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length496 ft (151.2 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.8 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,112 (2022)
Projected traffic9,112 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

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

Frequently asked questions

When was Court Ave over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Court 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 Court Ave over Des Moines River carry?

About 9,112 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Court Ave over Des Moines River?

The structure is 496 ft (151.2 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns Court Ave over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.