News Story

The Scott Avenue Bridge is part of the $22 million Bridges to Opportunity project focused on rehabilitating four bridges that cross the rivers in downtown Des Moines. Under rehabilitation since April 2020, the Scott Avenue Bridge is now open for traffic.

Since the April 1 closure, the Scott Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation included:

• Concrete deck overlay
• Structural concrete repair and replacement
• Concrete barrier rail repairs
• New ornamental rail and steel pipe handrail
• Replacement of bridge joints with new steel extrusion joints and neoprene glands
• Replacement of bridge approach pavement and sidewalks
• Installation of galvanic corrosion anodes to protect steel in the bridge from corrosion
• Longitudinal grooving of the bridge deck to reduce traffic noise from vehicle tire and pavement interface

The Walnut Street Bridge over the Des Moines River will be the next bridge downtown to undergo work. The Walnut Street Bridge is planned for full replacement with construction anticipated to start in 2022 and be completed in 2024.

Visit the Projects and Capital Improvement Program map to learn more about this project and work taking place across the City at DSM.city/projects.