US Bridges

FM 250th ST over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Buchanan County, Iowa · 088071603 · Structure no. 000000000081821

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 250th ST over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 250th ST over Buffalo Creek in Buchanan County, Iowa. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 250th ST
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location088071603
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.42787, -91.66518
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2021)
Projected traffic70 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 250th ST over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 250th ST over Buffalo 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 250th ST over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is FM 250th ST over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns FM 250th ST over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.