US Bridges

FM over Drainage Ditch No 69

PoorPosted for load

Webster County, Iowa · 088302301 · Structure no. 000000000361590

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
58 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Drainage Ditch No 69 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Drainage Ditch No 69 in Webster County, Iowa. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 34 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 34 by 2043. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesDrainage Ditch No 69
Location088302301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWebster County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.42693, -94.31466
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.1 US tons
Inventory rating4.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2043
Trucks21%
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$812,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Drainage Ditch No 69 built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Drainage Ditch No 69 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Drainage Ditch No 69 carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is FM over Drainage Ditch No 69?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Drainage Ditch No 69?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.