US Bridges

FM over Trail

PoorPosted for load

Ringgold County, Iowa · 070303203 · Structure no. 000000000298530

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
140 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
190
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Trail is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Trail in Ringgold County, Iowa. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 190 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 190 by 2043. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesTrail
Location070303203
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRinggold County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.82633, -94.33057
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
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.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating31.5 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic190 (2022)
Projected traffic190 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Trail built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Trail 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 Trail carry?

About 190 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM over Trail?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Trail?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.