US Bridges

FM over Flint River

PoorPosted for load

Des Moines County, Iowa · 070040106 · Structure no. 000000000143270

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
280
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Flint River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Flint River in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 280 vehicles a day, projected to reach 280 by 2043. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesFlint River
Location070040106
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.89526, -91.26502
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic280 (2022)
Projected traffic280 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Flint River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Flint 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Flint River carry?

About 280 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Flint River?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Flint River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.