US Bridges

FM over Dd 261

Poor

Calhoun County, Iowa · 086332702 · Structure no. 000000000090600

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
300
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Dd 261 is a concrete slab carrying FM over Dd 261 in Calhoun County, Iowa. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDd 261
Location086332702
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.22533, -94.68725
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.5 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2022)
Projected traffic300 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$446,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Dd 261 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Dd 261 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Dd 261 carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM over Dd 261?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Dd 261?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.