US Bridges

FM over Prairie Creek

Fair

Benton County, Iowa · 082092010 · Structure no. 000000000070121

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
228 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,336
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Prairie Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Prairie Creek in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 1,336 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,336 by 2043. The structure is 228 ft (69.5 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
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location082092010
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBenton County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.89618, -91.911
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length228 ft (69.5 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,336 (2022)
Projected traffic1,336 by 2043
Trucks19%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Prairie 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Prairie Creek carry?

About 1,336 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.