US Bridges

WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp

Good

Polk County, Iowa · 0.6 MI E of JCT US 69 NB · Structure no. 000000000609260

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,046 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
36,950
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 36,950 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,950 by 2044. The structure is 1,046 ft (318.8 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWB I-235
CrossesIa 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp
Location0.6 MI E of JCT US 69 NB
RouteInterstate 235
CountyPolk County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60119, -93.58433
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,046 ft (318.8 m)
Longest span239 ft (72.8 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,950 (2022)
Projected traffic36,950 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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 WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp carry?

About 36,950 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp?

The structure is 1,046 ft (318.8 m) long with a longest span of 239 ft (72.8 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns WB I-235 over Ia 163/UNIV Ave/Ramp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.