US Bridges

FM over Little River

Fair

Decatur County, Iowa · 068253303 · Structure no. 000000000137190

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
182 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Little River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Little River in Decatur 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesLittle River
Location068253303
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.64561, -93.74623
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 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Little River built?

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

What condition is FM over Little River 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 Little River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Little River?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Little River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.