US Bridges

SB I-35 over Raccoon River

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 0.6 Mi. N of Jct. Iowa #5 · Structure no. 000000000041151

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
656 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
29,550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB I-35 over Raccoon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SB I-35 over Raccoon River in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger 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 6 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 29,550 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,550 by 2043. The structure is 656 ft (199.9 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSB I-35
CrossesRaccoon River
Location0.6 Mi. N of Jct. Iowa #5
RouteInterstate 35
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.53394, -93.77432
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.4 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length656 ft (199.9 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.1 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,550 (2023)
Projected traffic29,550 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 SB I-35 over Raccoon River built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB I-35 over Raccoon 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SB I-35 over Raccoon River carry?

About 29,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SB I-35 over Raccoon River?

The structure is 656 ft (199.9 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns SB I-35 over Raccoon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.