US Bridges

FM over South Racoon River

Poor

Guthrie County, Iowa · 079302908 · Structure no. 000000000167770

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
253 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over South Racoon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over South Racoon River in Guthrie County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSouth Racoon River
Location079302908
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGuthrie County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.61625, -94.37131
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$1.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over South Racoon River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over South Racoon 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FM over South Racoon River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over South Racoon River?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over South Racoon River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.