US Bridges

FM over Dickenson Branch

Fair

Decatur County, Iowa · 067261104 · Structure no. 000000000136440

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
329
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Dickenson Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Dickenson Branch in Decatur 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 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 329 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 329 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDickenson Branch
Location067261104
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.62016, -93.8155
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic329 (2022)
Projected traffic329 by 2043
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Dickenson Branch built?

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

What condition is FM over Dickenson 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Dickenson Branch carry?

About 329 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is FM over Dickenson Branch?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Dickenson Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.