US Bridges

FM over Stream

Poor

Palo Alto County, Iowa · 097340801 · Structure no. 000000000270380

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Stream is a concrete slab carrying FM over Stream in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesStream
Location097340801
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPalo Alto County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.24163, -94.88548
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic30 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 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 Stream built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Stream in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Stream carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Stream?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.