US Bridges

FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux

Fair

Cherokee County, Iowa · 093390804 · Structure no. 000000000109450

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
131
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 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 131 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 131 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM U Ave
CrossesBranch Little Sioux
Location093390804
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.89197, -95.47174
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131 (2022)
Projected traffic131 by 2043
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$30,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux carry?

About 131 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns FM U Ave over Branch Little Sioux?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.