US Bridges

FM over Chariton River

Fair

Lucas County, Iowa · 071201904 · Structure no. 000000000225161

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
230 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Chariton River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Chariton River in Lucas County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesChariton River
Location071201904
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.92795, -93.21217
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.9 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length230 ft (70.1 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2044
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Chariton River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Chariton 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Chariton River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Chariton River?

The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Chariton River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.