US Bridges

5th Ave over I-235

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 4.2 Mi. E of Jct. Ia #28 · Structure no. 000000000608950

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
254 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,120
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

5th Ave over I-235 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 5th Ave over I-235 in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 3,120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,120 by 2044. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries5th Ave
CrossesI-235
Location4.2 Mi. E of Jct. Ia #28
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.59536, -93.62465
Functional classUrban Collector

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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.8 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span147 ft (44.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,120 (2022)
Projected traffic3,120 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 5th Ave over I-235 built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is 5th Ave 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does 5th Ave over I-235 carry?

About 3,120 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 5th Ave over I-235?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 147 ft (44.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns 5th Ave over I-235?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.