US Bridges

EB I-235 over University Ave

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 0.6 MI E of JCT US 69 NB · Structure no. 000000000042921

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,019 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
29,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

EB I-235 over University Ave is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying EB I-235 over University Ave in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 29,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,900 by 2043. The structure is 1,019 ft (310.6 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEB I-235
CrossesUniversity Ave
Location0.6 MI E of JCT US 69 NB
RouteInterstate 235
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.59982, -93.58699
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.4 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,019 ft (310.6 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,900 (2022)
Projected traffic29,900 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
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 EB I-235 over University Ave built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is EB I-235 over University Ave 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does EB I-235 over University Ave carry?

About 29,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is EB I-235 over University Ave?

The structure is 1,019 ft (310.6 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns EB I-235 over University Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.