US Bridges

FM over Sm Stream

Fair

Buena Vista County, Iowa · 091381702 · Structure no. 000000000085395

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
469
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Sm Stream is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Sm Stream in Buena Vista County, Iowa. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 6 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 469 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 469 by 2043. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSm Stream
Location091381702
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBuena Vista County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.69975, -95.36787
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic469 (2022)
Projected traffic469 by 2043
Trucks21%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Sm Stream built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Sm Stream 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 June 2022.

How much traffic does FM over Sm Stream carry?

About 469 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is FM over Sm Stream?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM over Sm Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.