US Bridges

NB US 65 over Skunk River

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 7.6 Miles N of JCT I-80 · Structure no. 000000000040622

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
349 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US 65 over Skunk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB US 65 over Skunk River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 4,800 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,800 by 2044. The structure is 349 ft (106.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNB US 65
CrossesSkunk River
Location7.6 Miles N of JCT I-80
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.74197, -93.39326
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.9 US tons
Inventory rating27.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length349 ft (106.4 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,800 (2022)
Projected traffic4,800 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 Skunk River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB US 65 over Skunk 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does NB US 65 over Skunk River carry?

About 4,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NB US 65 over Skunk River?

The structure is 349 ft (106.4 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NB US 65 over Skunk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.