US Bridges

FM over Platte Branch

PoorPosted for load

Taylor County, Iowa · 068321001 · Structure no. 000000000321550

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Platte Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying FM over Platte Branch in Taylor County, Iowa. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesPlatte Branch
Location068321001
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTaylor County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.71208, -94.52415
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating9.1 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic50 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$554,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Platte Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Platte Branch 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Platte Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM over Platte Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Platte Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.