US Bridges

FM over Drainage Way

FairPosted for load

O'Brien County, Iowa · 094391501 · Structure no. 000000000258650

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Drainage Way is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Drainage Way in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDrainage Way
Location094391501
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.96794, -95.43692
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic60 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$300,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Drainage Way built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Drainage Way 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Drainage Way carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Drainage Way?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Drainage Way?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.