US Bridges

FM over Backwater (pump Station)

Poor

Des Moines County, Iowa · 070022105 · Structure no. 000000000143071

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
240
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Backwater (pump Station) is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying FM over Backwater (pump Station) in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 240 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBackwater (pump Station)
Location070022105
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.85174, -91.09068
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (2022)
Projected traffic240 by 2043
Trucks13%
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$504,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Backwater (pump Station) built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Backwater (pump Station) 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 Backwater (pump Station) carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM over Backwater (pump Station)?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Backwater (pump Station)?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.