US Bridges

FM over Wapsipinicon River

Fair

Buchanan County, Iowa · 089100907 · Structure no. 000000000083100

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
254 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
687
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Wapsipinicon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 687 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 687 by 2044. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWapsipinicon River
Location089100907
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.5333, -92.03068
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic687 (2022)
Projected traffic687 by 2044
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Wapsipinicon River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Wapsipinicon 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Wapsipinicon River carry?

About 687 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is FM over Wapsipinicon River?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Wapsipinicon River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.