US Bridges

FM over Skunk River

Fair

Lee County, Iowa · 069040706 · Structure no. 000000000362400

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
486 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
750
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 Lee County, Iowa. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 6 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2043. The structure is 486 ft (148.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSkunk River
Location069040706
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLee County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.79177, -91.36769
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length486 ft (148.1 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2022)
Projected traffic750 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$2.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Skunk River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Skunk River carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is FM over Skunk River?

The structure is 486 ft (148.1 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Skunk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.