US Bridges

FM over Drainage Ditch

Poor

Woodbury County, Iowa · 087462016 · Structure no. 000000000352620

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
131 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
230
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Drainage Ditch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Drainage Ditch in Woodbury 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 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.

It carries about 230 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 230 by 2044. The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location087462016
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.32975, -96.22236
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length131 ft (39.9 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (2022)
Projected traffic230 by 2044
Trucks19%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Drainage Ditch built?

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

What condition is FM over Drainage Ditch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 230 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.