US Bridges

42nd ST Wdsm over I-235

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 0.8 Mi. E of W Jct. I-35 · Structure no. 000000000042171

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
252 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,501
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

42nd ST Wdsm over I-235 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 42nd ST Wdsm over I-235 in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,501 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,501 by 2044. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries42nd ST Wdsm
CrossesI-235
Location0.8 Mi. E of W Jct. I-35
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.59203, -93.7615
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating40.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,501 (2022)
Projected traffic3,501 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 42nd ST Wdsm over I-235 built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is 42nd ST Wdsm over I-235 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does 42nd ST Wdsm over I-235 carry?

About 3,501 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 42nd ST Wdsm over I-235?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns 42nd ST Wdsm over I-235?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.