US Bridges

FM over Little Sioux River

PoorPosted for load

Monona County, Iowa · 084441803 · Structure no. 000000000250750

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
252 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
131
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Little Sioux River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Little Sioux River in Monona County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 3 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, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 131 by 2044. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location084441803
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.0813, -96.01368
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131 (2021)
Projected traffic131 by 2044
Trucks9%
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$3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Little Sioux River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Little Sioux 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Little Sioux River carry?

About 131 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.