US Bridges

US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 2.4 Miles S of JCT Ia 163 · Structure no. 000000000606810

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
414 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
11,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR 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 11,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,600 by 2043. The structure is 414 ft (126.2 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 65 SB
CrossesVandalia Road & BNSF RR
Location2.4 Miles S of JCT Ia 163
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.56863, -93.51271
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.2 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length414 ft (126.2 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,600 (2023)
Projected traffic11,600 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
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 US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR built?

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

What condition is US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR carry?

About 11,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR?

The structure is 414 ft (126.2 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 65 SB over Vandalia Road & BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.