US Bridges

FM over Bluff Creek

Poor

Boone County, Iowa · 085272001 · Structure no. 000000000015400

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
718
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Bluff Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Bluff Creek in Boone County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 718 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 718 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBluff Creek
Location085272001
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBoone County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.16643, -94.02019
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.2 US tons
Inventory rating15.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic718 (2022)
Projected traffic718 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Bluff 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Bluff Creek carry?

About 718 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.