US Bridges

FM over W Br Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Buchanan County, Iowa · 090082103 · Structure no. 000000000083650

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
131 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
118
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over W Br Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over W Br Buffalo Creek 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 118 vehicles a day, projected to reach 118 by 2043. The structure is 131 ft (39.9 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
CrossesW Br Buffalo Creek
Location090082103
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuchanan County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.5999, -91.78785
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length131 ft (39.9 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 traffic118 (2022)
Projected traffic118 by 2043
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over W Br Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is FM over W Br 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM over W Br Buffalo Creek carry?

About 118 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over W Br Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over W Br Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.