US Bridges

FM over Dutch Branch

FairPosted for load

Shelby County, Iowa · 078381702 · Structure no. 000000000304310

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
142 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Dutch Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Dutch Branch in Shelby County, Iowa. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2043. The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDutch Branch
Location078381702
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyShelby County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.55818, -95.25115
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length142 ft (43.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2043
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Dutch Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Dutch Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Dutch Branch carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Dutch Branch?

The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Dutch Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.