Why was the bridge always tired? Too many crossings.
Why was the bridge always tired? Too many crossings.
A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
over 73RD ST& IA INTERSTATE R
3.2 MI E OF W JCT I 80/35
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
Loading 3D model...
This bridge has a Good overall condition rating of 7 out of 9. It is in good structural condition and is not classified as structurally deficient.
The bridge carries 50,400 vehicles per day and is 58 years old (reconstructed in 1986).
Its sufficiency rating of 70.6 is above the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 23 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 327 feet long — a short crossing, about 10-15 seconds.
A standard overpass design with solid barriers on each side.
About 23 feet above ground — moderate height, similar to a 3-5 story building.
About 50,400 vehicles cross daily — heavy traffic, congestion likely during rush hours.
The deck is 68 feet wide with multiple lanes — easy to stay in a center lane.
This bridge crosses over land, not water — no water views below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1968
58 years old (rebuilt 1986)
Structure Type
Steel (Continuous) Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
Total Length
327 ft
99.7 m
Deck Width
68 ft
20.6 m
Spans
4
sections between supports
Max Span
98 ft
longest unsupported section (29.9 m)
Traffic Lanes
4 lanes
One-way traffic
Clearance Below
23 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
50,400vehicles/day
41.59327°N, 93.71578°W
Steel (Continuous) Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
A steel stringer bridge uses parallel steel beams (stringers) to support the deck. This is one of the most common bridge types in the US, valued for its simplicity and strength.
Learn more about this bridge typeNo ratings yet. Be the first to rate this bridge!
Sign in and track Iowa to receive alerts when new inspection data is published. Premium members get bridge-specific notifications.
Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.