US Bridges

FM over Des Moines River

Fair

Van Buren County, Iowa · 069102725 · Structure no. 000000000328910

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
753 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,120
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Des Moines River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Des Moines River in Van Buren County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 1,120 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,120 by 2044. The structure is 753 ft (229.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDes Moines River
Location069102725
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.74677, -91.98991
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length753 ft (229.5 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,120 (2022)
Projected traffic1,120 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Des Moines 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Des Moines River carry?

About 1,120 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Des Moines River?

The structure is 753 ft (229.5 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.