US Bridges

ST Johns RD over Drainage

Poor

Polk County, Iowa · 078240700 · Structure no. 000000000003715

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
684
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST Johns RD over Drainage is a concrete arch - deck carrying ST Johns RD over Drainage in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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.

It carries about 684 vehicles a day, projected to reach 684 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST Johns RD
CrossesDrainage
Location078240700
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.5795, -93.66401
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating26.9 US tons
Inventory rating16.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic684 (2022)
Projected traffic684 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$17,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST Johns RD over Drainage built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST Johns RD over Drainage 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does ST Johns RD over Drainage carry?

About 684 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is ST Johns RD over Drainage?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns ST Johns RD over Drainage?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.