US Bridges

FM over Middle Raccoon

PoorPosted for load

Guthrie County, Iowa · 081332306 · Structure no. 000000000170490

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
214 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Middle Raccoon is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Middle Raccoon in Guthrie County, Iowa. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2043. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesMiddle Raccoon
Location081332306
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.81697, -94.64764
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
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 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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating30.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic100 by 2043
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$2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Middle Raccoon built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Middle Raccoon 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 Middle Raccoon carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Middle Raccoon?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Middle Raccoon?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.