US Bridges

FM over East River

Poor

Taylor County, Iowa · 070323301 · Structure no. 000000000323380

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over East River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over East River in Taylor 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 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.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesEast River
Location070323301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTaylor County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.82716, -94.53396
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2021)
Projected traffic40 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 East River built?

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

What condition is FM over East 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM over East River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM over East River?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over East River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.