US Bridges

FM W-45 over US 20

Fair

Buchanan County, Iowa · 3.4 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 187 · Structure no. 000000000603655

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
381 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
471
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM W-45 over US 20 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM W-45 over US 20 in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 471 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 471 by 2044. The structure is 381 ft (116.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM W-45
CrossesUS 20
Location3.4 Mi. W of Jct. Ia 187
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.46026, -91.71068
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length381 ft (116.1 m)
Longest span121 ft (36.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic471 (2022)
Projected traffic471 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM W-45 over US 20 built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM W-45 over US 20 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM W-45 over US 20 carry?

About 471 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM W-45 over US 20?

The structure is 381 ft (116.1 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (36.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM W-45 over US 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.