US Bridges

FM over South Chariton River

FairPosted for load

Wayne County, Iowa · 069200502 · Structure no. 000000000339650

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
202 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over South Chariton River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over South Chariton River in Wayne County, Iowa. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2043. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSouth Chariton River
Location069200502
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWayne County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.8004, -93.19274
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.2 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over South Chariton River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over South Chariton 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FM over South Chariton River carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over South Chariton River?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over South Chariton River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.