US Bridges

Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 078240801 · Structure no. 000000000504755

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
643 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,253
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River is a steel arch - thru carrying Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 years old, younger 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 7,253 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,253 by 2043. The structure is 643 ft (196 m) long and 97 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesMlk Jr Pkwy E/W
CrossesRaccoon River
Location078240801
RouteCity Street 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.58071, -93.64188
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length643 ft (196 m)
Longest span279 ft (85 m)
Deck width97 ft (29.7 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,253 (2022)
Projected traffic7,253 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River carry?

About 7,253 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River?

The structure is 643 ft (196 m) long with a longest span of 279 ft (85 m) and a deck 97 ft wide.

Who owns Mlk Jr Pkwy E/W over Raccoon River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.