US Bridges

Ia 17 over Des Moines River

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 3.7 Mi. N of Jct. 141 · Structure no. 000000000040730

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
988 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 17 over Des Moines River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 17 over Des Moines River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 66 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 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,600 by 2044. The structure is 988 ft (301.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 17
CrossesDes Moines River
Location3.7 Mi. N of Jct. 141
RouteState Highway 17
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.80249, -93.81268
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length988 ft (301.1 m)
Longest span177 ft (54 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2022)
Projected traffic5,600 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 17 over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Ia 17 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ia 17 over Des Moines River carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Ia 17 over Des Moines River?

The structure is 988 ft (301.1 m) long with a longest span of 177 ft (54 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 17 over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.