US Bridges

6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 079243400 · Structure no. 000000000004010

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
546 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,033
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 59 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 14,033 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,033 by 2042. The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries6th Ave
CrossesDesmoines Rvr & Birdland
Location079243400
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.61326, -93.62546
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length546 ft (166.4 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.3 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,033 (2022)
Projected traffic14,033 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$110,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is 6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does 6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland carry?

About 14,033 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland?

The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns 6th Ave over Desmoines Rvr & Birdland?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.