US Bridges

FM over Small Stream

Poor

Des Moines County, Iowa · 069040608 · Structure no. 000000000142970

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Small Stream is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Small Stream in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSmall Stream
Location069040608
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.79852, -91.35733
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic60 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$485,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Small Stream built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Small Stream 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Small Stream carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Small Stream?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns FM over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.