US Bridges

FM over Wolf Creek

PoorPosted for load

Benton County, Iowa · 086121004 · Structure no. 000000000073540

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
300 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Wolf Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Wolf Creek in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2043. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWolf Creek
Location086121004
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBenton County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.27342, -92.24006
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2021)
Projected traffic30 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Wolf 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Wolf Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.