US Bridges

FM over Skunk River

Fair

Hamilton County, Iowa · 088243601 · Structure no. 000000000171820

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
270
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Skunk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Skunk River in Hamilton County, Iowa. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 63 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.

It carries about 270 vehicles a day, projected to reach 270 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSkunk River
Location088243601
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHamilton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.39807, -93.58373
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic270 (2022)
Projected traffic270 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$143,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Skunk River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is FM over Skunk 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Skunk River carry?

About 270 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Skunk River?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Skunk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.