US Bridges

FM over Cold Spring Branch

Poor

Des Moines County, Iowa · 071022206 · Structure no. 000000000143555

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Cold Spring Branch is a steel culvert carrying FM over Cold Spring Branch in Des Moines County, Iowa. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesCold Spring Branch
Location071022206
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.93258, -91.08041
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Cold Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Cold Spring Branch 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 Cold Spring Branch carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Cold Spring Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns FM over Cold Spring Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.