US Bridges

FM over Bell Branch

Fair

Davis County, Iowa · 070141203 · Structure no. 000000000135600

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Bell Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Bell Branch in Davis County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 120 vehicles a day, projected to reach 120 by 2044. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBell Branch
Location070141203
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDavis County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.8747, -92.42628
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2022)
Projected traffic120 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Bell Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Bell Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Bell Branch carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Bell Branch?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Bell Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.