US Bridges

FM over Little River

Fair

Decatur County, Iowa · 069260201 · Structure no. 000000000138071

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2020
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
428
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Little River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Little River in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 428 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 428 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesLittle River
Location069260201
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.81188, -93.82127
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2020
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic428 (2022)
Projected traffic428 by 2040
Trucks13%
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 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 1979, making it 46 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 2020.

How much traffic does FM over Little River carry?

About 428 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM over Little River?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FM over Little River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.