US Bridges

FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Howard County, Iowa · 098111203 · Structure no. 000000000182100

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch is a concrete channel beam carrying FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch in Howard County, Iowa. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 135th ST
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location098111203
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHoward County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.32085, -92.09596
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionApril 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2022)
Projected traffic25 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 135th ST over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.