US Bridges

FM over West Fork Des Moines R

Fair

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 097332705 · Structure no. 000000000270321

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
268 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
71
2022 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 1983, so it is 42 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 71 vehicles a day, projected to reach 71 by 2043. The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWest Fork Des Moines R
Location097332705
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPalo Alto County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.18396, -94.72534
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2021
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.8 US tons
Inventory rating53.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length268 ft (81.7 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic71 (2022)
Projected traffic71 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 1983, making it 42 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 2021.

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

About 71 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over West Fork Des Moines R?

The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over West Fork Des Moines R?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.