US Bridges

FM over Small Stream

PoorPosted for load

Buchanan County, Iowa · 089102201 · Structure no. 000000000083180

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
87 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
79
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Small Stream is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Small Stream in Buchanan 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 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 79 vehicles a day, projected to reach 79 by 2044. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSmall Stream
Location089102201
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.51174, -92.01482
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic79 (2022)
Projected traffic79 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 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 Small Stream built?

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

What condition is FM over Small Stream 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Small Stream carry?

About 79 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Small Stream?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.