US Bridges

M Ave over Branch Iowa River

Fair

Tama County, Iowa · 083143102 · Structure no. 000000000317961

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

M Ave over Branch Iowa River is a steel culvert carrying M Ave over Branch Iowa River in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesM Ave
CrossesBranch Iowa River
Location083143102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.96318, -92.53306
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2022)
Projected traffic5 by 2044
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M Ave over Branch Iowa River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is M Ave over Branch Iowa River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does M Ave over Branch Iowa River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is M Ave over Branch Iowa River?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns M Ave over Branch Iowa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.