US Bridges

NB I-35 over Bear Creek

Fair

Story County, Iowa · 3.3 Miles South of SR E18 · Structure no. 000000000049310

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
343 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB I-35 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NB I-35 over Bear Creek in Story County, Iowa. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older 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 5 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 15,800 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,800 by 2043. The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNB I-35
CrossesBear Creek
Location3.3 Miles South of SR E18
RouteInterstate 35
CountyStory County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.12106, -93.55267
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length343 ft (104.5 m)
Longest span132 ft (40.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,800 (2023)
Projected traffic15,800 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NB I-35 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB I-35 over Bear Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does NB I-35 over Bear Creek carry?

About 15,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is NB I-35 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long with a longest span of 132 ft (40.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NB I-35 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.