US Bridges

FM over Des Moines River

Good

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 095312908 · Structure no. 000000000269191

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
290
2022 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 1996, so it is 29 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 290 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 290 by 2044. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesDes Moines River
Location095312908
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates43.01294, -94.53332
Functional classRural Major 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic290 (2022)
Projected traffic290 by 2044
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Des Moines River carry?

About 290 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is FM over Des Moines River?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.