US Bridges

FM over Creek

Poor

Audubon County, Iowa · 078360301 · Structure no. 000000000066850

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Creek in Audubon County, Iowa. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 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.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesCreek
Location078360301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAudubon County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.60184, -94.98376
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$860 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.