US Bridges

FM over North River

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Iowa · 077293102 · Structure no. 000000000235320

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
125 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over North River is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over North River in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1948, 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesNorth River
Location077293102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadison County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.42264, -94.24171
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.8 US tons
Inventory rating14.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 North River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is FM over North 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 North River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over North River?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns FM over North River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.