US Bridges

FM over West Fork Des Moines R

Fair

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 097330903 · Structure no. 000000000270256

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
247 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
995
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over West Fork Des Moines R is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over West Fork Des Moines R in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 995 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 995 by 2043. The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWest Fork Des Moines R
Location097330903
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPalo Alto County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.24194, -94.73933
Functional classRural Major 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.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating105.4 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length247 ft (75.3 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic995 (2021)
Projected traffic995 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 West Fork Des Moines R built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over West Fork Des Moines R 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM over West Fork Des Moines R carry?

About 995 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM over West Fork Des Moines R?

The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM over West Fork Des Moines R?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.