US Bridges

FM over Drainage

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Iowa · 074270803 · Structure no. 000000000231950

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Drainage is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Drainage in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 95 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesDrainage
Location074270803
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.21465, -93.98879
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$323,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Drainage built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is FM over Drainage 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Drainage carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Drainage?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Drainage?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.