BRIDGE CLOSED: Structural Issues Found

The city of Des Moines is shutting down a pedestrian bridge crossing the Raccoon River because of structural damage.

The Southwest 5^th Street Pedestrian Bridge, also known as the Jackson Avenue Bridge, is being closed at the end of business Friday and will remain closed indefinitely.

A recent structural evaluation of the bridge, which is a converted roadway bridge, shows advanced deterioration and corrosion of structural elements. There is also uncertainty over the integrity of repairs that have previously been completed.

As a safety precaution, the city decided to close the bridge.

Detours are available by using the Southwest 1^st Street Pedestrian Bridge or the side path on the Southwest 3^rd Street bridge.