US Bridges

FM over Field Drainage Ditch

Poor

Madison County, Iowa · 074261701 · Structure no. 000000000231685

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
417
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Field Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Field Drainage Ditch in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 74 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 417 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 417 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesField Drainage Ditch
Location074261701
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.21576, -93.86909
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 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 traffic417 (2022)
Projected traffic417 by 2044
Trucks16%
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$495,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Field Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is FM over Field Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Field Drainage Ditch carry?

About 417 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM over Field Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FM over Field Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.