US Bridges

FM over Chariton River

Poor

Appanoose County, Iowa · 067162005 · Structure no. 000000000063560

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
304 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Chariton River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Chariton River in Appanoose County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2043. The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesChariton River
Location067162005
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAppanoose County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.5949, -92.71541
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.2 US tons
Inventory rating18.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length304 ft (92.7 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2022)
Projected traffic45 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Chariton River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Chariton River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Chariton River carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Chariton River?

The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Chariton River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.