US Bridges

Univ Ave over Des Moines River

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 078240300 · Structure no. 000000000003770

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete Continuous
Length
849 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
16,294
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Univ Ave over Des Moines River is a concrete continuous arch - deck carrying Univ Ave over Des Moines River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 105 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 16,294 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16,294 by 2043. The structure is 849 ft (258.8 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUniv Ave
CrossesDes Moines River
Location078240300
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60037, -93.61528
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length849 ft (258.8 m)
Longest span173 ft (52.7 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,294 (2022)
Projected traffic16,294 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$110,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Univ Ave over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

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

About 16,294 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Univ Ave over Des Moines River?

The structure is 849 ft (258.8 m) long with a longest span of 173 ft (52.7 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns Univ Ave over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.