US Bridges

2nd Ave over Des Moines River

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 079243500 · Structure no. 000000000004060

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
500 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
17,517
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

2nd Ave over Des Moines River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 2nd Ave over Des Moines River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 90 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 6 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 17,517 vehicles a day, projected to reach 17,517 by 2043. The structure is 500 ft (152.4 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries2nd Ave
CrossesDes Moines River
Location079243500
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.61217, -93.61982
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length500 ft (152.4 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.8 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,517 (2022)
Projected traffic17,517 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$75,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 2nd Ave over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is 2nd 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 2nd Ave over Des Moines River carry?

About 17,517 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 2nd Ave over Des Moines River?

The structure is 500 ft (152.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns 2nd Ave over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.