US Bridges

FM over Long Branch

PoorPosted for load

Guthrie County, Iowa · 078302601 · Structure no. 000000000166661

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Long Branch is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying FM over Long Branch in Guthrie County, Iowa. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesLong Branch
Location078302601
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGuthrie County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.52898, -94.2684
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating28.3 US tons
Inventory rating15.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Long Branch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Long 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does FM over Long Branch carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Long Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Long Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.