US Bridges

FM over North Skunk River

Poor

Poweshiek County, Iowa · 078162704 · Structure no. 000000000292010

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
303 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over North Skunk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over North Skunk River in Poweshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2043. The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesNorth Skunk River
Location078162704
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPoweshiek County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.52763, -92.69514
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length303 ft (92.4 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2022)
Projected traffic70 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over North Skunk River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over North Skunk River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does FM over North Skunk River carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over North Skunk River?

The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over North Skunk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.