US Bridges

FM over West Branch

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Iowa · 074293402 · Structure no. 000000000232680

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
131
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over West Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM over West Branch in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 131 vehicles a day, projected to reach 131 by 2043. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesWest Branch
Location074293402
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.15709, -94.18495
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
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.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating34.1 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131 (2022)
Projected traffic131 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$1.2 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over West Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over West Branch 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 West Branch carry?

About 131 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over West Branch?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over West Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.