US Bridges

FM over Middle River

Fair

Adair County, Iowa · 076302609 · Structure no. 000000000056611

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Middle River is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over Middle River in Adair County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 125 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesMiddle River
Location076302609
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdair County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.34818, -94.26776
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Middle River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is FM over Middle River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Middle River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Middle River?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Middle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.