US Bridges

FM over Grand River

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Iowa · 074291703 · Structure no. 000000000232560

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
379
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Grand River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Grand River in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 379 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 379 by 2042. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesGrand River
Location074291703
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.20751, -94.20705
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.3 US tons
Inventory rating16.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic379 (2022)
Projected traffic379 by 2042
Trucks20%
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$2 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Grand River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Grand River 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 Grand River carry?

About 379 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM over Grand River?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Grand River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.