US Bridges

FM over Waterway

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Iowa · 074263503 · Structure no. 000000000231870

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
259
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Waterway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Waterway in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 259 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 259 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWaterway
Location074263503
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadison County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.17538, -93.81443
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating33.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic259 (2022)
Projected traffic259 by 2043
Trucks13%
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$485,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Waterway built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Waterway 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 Waterway carry?

About 259 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM over Waterway?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Waterway?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.