US Bridges

FM over Middle Platte River

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Iowa · 071311601 · Structure no. 000000000325120

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Middle Platte River is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over Middle Platte River in Union 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesMiddle Platte River
Location071311601
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUnion County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.95725, -94.41894
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating12.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 Middle Platte River built?

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

What condition is FM over Middle Platte 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Middle Platte River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Middle Platte River?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Middle Platte River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.