US Bridges

FM over Middle River

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Iowa · 075281510 · Structure no. 000000000233225

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
179 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Middle River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Middle River in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 6 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 180 vehicles a day, projected to reach 180 by 2043. The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesMiddle River
Location075281510
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.29041, -94.06206
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length179 ft (54.6 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2022)
Projected traffic180 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Middle River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Middle River 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 Middle River carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Middle River?

The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Middle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.