US Bridges

FM over Prairie Creek

Poor

Benton County, Iowa · 082103001 · Structure no. 000000000070340

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Prairie Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Prairie Creek in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location082103001
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBenton County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.89175, -92.04727
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
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2021)
Projected traffic80 by 2044
Trucks0%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Prairie 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Prairie Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.