US Bridges

FM over Bluff Creek

Fair

Boone County, Iowa · 084270801 · Structure no. 000000000077780

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
71 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
478
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 1956 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 69 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 478 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 478 by 2044. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBluff Creek
Location084270801
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBoone County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.10724, -94.01467
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.2 US tons
Inventory rating45.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic478 (2022)
Projected traffic478 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is FM over Bluff 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Bluff Creek carry?

About 478 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.