US Bridges

FM C-38 over Drainage

Fair

Plymouth County, Iowa · 092453301 · Structure no. 000000000274731

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,615
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM C-38 over Drainage is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM C-38 over Drainage in Plymouth County, Iowa. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older 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 1,615 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,615 by 2044. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM C-38
CrossesDrainage
Location092453301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPlymouth County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.74974, -96.16142
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,615 (2022)
Projected traffic1,615 by 2044
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 C-38 over Drainage built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM C-38 over Drainage 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM C-38 over Drainage carry?

About 1,615 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is FM C-38 over Drainage?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM C-38 over Drainage?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.