US Bridges

FM over Des Moines River

Fair

Van Buren County, Iowa · 070111705 · Structure no. 000000000329901

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
949 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
240
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 1977, so it is 48 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 6 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 240 by 2043. The structure is 949 ft (289.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDes Moines River
Location070111705
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.86885, -92.15945
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating69.7 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length949 ft (289.3 m)
Longest span143 ft (43.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (2022)
Projected traffic240 by 2043
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$100,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Des Moines River carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is FM over Des Moines River?

The structure is 949 ft (289.3 m) long with a longest span of 143 ft (43.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.