US Bridges

FM over Iowa River

Poor

Franklin County, Iowa · 091221902 · Structure no. 000000000157220

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
194 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
320
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Iowa River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Iowa River in Franklin 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 320 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2043. The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesIowa River
Location091221902
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFranklin County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.67429, -93.49918
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.2 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length194 ft (59.1 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic320 (2021)
Projected traffic320 by 2043
Trucks35%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Iowa River built?

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

What condition is FM over Iowa 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Iowa River carry?

About 320 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is FM over Iowa River?

The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Iowa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.