US Bridges

NB US 65 over SE 38th ST

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 0.8 Mile S of N JCT Ia 5 · Structure no. 000000000601690

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
146 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB US 65 over SE 38th ST is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB 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 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 10,900 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,900 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
CarriesNB US 65
CrossesSE 38th ST
Location0.8 Mile S of N JCT Ia 5
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.51155, -93.53943
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 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 traffic10,900 (2022)
Projected traffic10,900 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 NB US 65 over SE 38th ST built?

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

What condition is NB US 65 over SE 38th 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does NB US 65 over SE 38th ST carry?

About 10,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.