US Bridges

FM over Plunger Creek

Fair

Adair County, Iowa · 077302101 · Structure no. 000000000057550

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
79
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Plunger Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Plunger Creek in Adair County, Iowa. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 79 vehicles a day, projected to reach 79 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesPlunger Creek
Location077302101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdair County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.46052, -94.30478
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic79 (2022)
Projected traffic79 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Plunger Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Plunger Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Plunger Creek carry?

About 79 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Plunger Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Plunger Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.