US Bridges

FM over Bluff Creek

Poor

Boone County, Iowa · 085273101 · Structure no. 000000000078390

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Bluff Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Bluff Creek in Boone County, Iowa. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2044. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBluff Creek
Location085273101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBoone County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.13766, -94.02806
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2044
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 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 1915, making it 110 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 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.