US Bridges

FM over Little Sioux River

Poor

Dickinson County, Iowa · 098371001 · Structure no. 000000000144740

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
204 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,076
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Little Sioux River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Little Sioux River in Dickinson County, Iowa. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 1,076 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,076 by 2043. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location098371001
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates43.32747, -95.20166
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,076 (2021)
Projected traffic1,076 by 2043
Trucks13%
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Little Sioux River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Little Sioux 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Little Sioux River carry?

About 1,076 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.