US Bridges

FM over Des Moines River

Good

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 094310803 · Structure no. 000000000268651

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
253 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
46
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Des Moines River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Des Moines River in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 46 by 2043. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesDes Moines River
Location094310803
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.98079, -94.52647
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2021)
Projected traffic46 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Des Moines River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Des Moines River carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM over Des Moines River?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.