US Bridges

FM over Grand River

PoorPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 069270106 · Structure no. 000000000138270

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
302 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Grand River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Grand River in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2043. The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesGrand River
Location069270106
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.80778, -93.90336
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.9 US tons
Inventory rating16.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length302 ft (92.1 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2022)
Projected traffic45 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Grand River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Grand River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Grand River carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Grand River?

The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Grand River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.