US Bridges

I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 1.0 Mile W of Jct. Ia 28 · Structure no. 000000000041420

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
48,250
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 67 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 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 48,250 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,250 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-80 EB & I-35 NB
CrossesNW 72nd ST
Location1.0 Mile W of Jct. Ia 28
RouteInterstate 80
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.65263, -93.71731
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.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.4 m)
Roadway width62 ft (19 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,250 (2023)
Projected traffic48,250 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST 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 September 2022.

How much traffic does I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST carry?

About 48,250 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns I-80 EB & I-35 NB over NW 72nd ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.