US Bridges

SB US 65 over SE 38th ST

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 0.8 Mile S of N JCT Ia 5 · Structure no. 000000000601685

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
146 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB US 65 over SE 38th ST is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SB US 65 over SE 38th ST in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 11,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,100 by 2043. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSB US 65
CrossesSE 38th ST
Location0.8 Mile S of N JCT Ia 5
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.51177, -93.53881
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating81.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,100 (2023)
Projected traffic11,100 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SB US 65 over SE 38th ST built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB US 65 over SE 38th ST 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 SB US 65 over SE 38th ST carry?

About 11,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SB US 65 over SE 38th ST?

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SB US 65 over SE 38th ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.