US Bridges

FM over Branch Middle River

Fair

Madison County, Iowa · 075271904 · Structure no. 000000000034750

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,186
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Branch Middle River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Branch Middle River in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 1,186 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,186 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBranch Middle River
Location075271904
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadison County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.28419, -94.01093
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating88.2 US tons
Inventory rating52.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,186 (2022)
Projected traffic1,186 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$604,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Branch Middle River built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Branch Middle 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Branch Middle River carry?

About 1,186 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM over Branch Middle River?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FM over Branch Middle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.