US Bridges

NB US 65 over Des Moines River

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 2.6 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 163 · Structure no. 000000000606795

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
920 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
12,450
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US 65 over Des Moines River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB US 65 over Des Moines River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 12,450 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,450 by 2044. The structure is 920 ft (280.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesNB US 65
CrossesDes Moines River
Location2.6 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 163
RouteU.S. Route 65
StateIowa
Coordinates41.56358, -93.5112
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length920 ft (280.4 m)
Longest span131 ft (39.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,450 (2022)
Projected traffic12,450 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 NB US 65 over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB US 65 over Des Moines 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NB US 65 over Des Moines River carry?

About 12,450 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NB US 65 over Des Moines River?

The structure is 920 ft (280.4 m) long with a longest span of 131 ft (39.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NB US 65 over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.