US Bridges

FM over Iowa River

PoorClosed to traffic

Tama County, Iowa · 082141303 · Structure no. 000000000316740

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2018
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
250 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
39
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Iowa River is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over Iowa River in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1914 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 111 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 0 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2043. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesIowa River
Location082141303
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.92016, -92.43396
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2018
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span168 ft (51.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (2022)
Projected traffic39 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Iowa River built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is FM over Iowa 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 October 2018.

How much traffic does FM over Iowa River carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Iowa River?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 168 ft (51.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Iowa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.