US Bridges

Local over W Fork Des Moines River

FairPosted for load

Emmet County, Iowa · 098332903 · Structure no. 000000000148570

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
202 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Local over W Fork Des Moines River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Local over W Fork Des Moines River in Emmet 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 34 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 34 by 2043. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLocal
CrossesW Fork Des Moines River
Location098332903
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEmmet County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.27825, -94.76682
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.2 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2043
Trucks18%
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$1.2 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Local over W Fork Des Moines River built?

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

What condition is Local over W Fork Des Moines River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Local over W Fork Des Moines River carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Local over W Fork Des Moines River?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Local over W Fork Des Moines River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.