US Bridges

FM over Drainage Ditch

FairPosted for load

Taylor County, Iowa · 069332302 · Structure no. 000000000322621

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Drainage Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Drainage Ditch in Taylor County, Iowa. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 71 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location069332302
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTaylor County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.76954, -94.62375
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.1 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2021)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is FM over Drainage Ditch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.