US Bridges

FM L Ave over Bear Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Iowa · 093412402 · Structure no. 000000000109831

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
219
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM L Ave over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM L Ave over Bear Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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.

It carries about 219 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 219 by 2043. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM L Ave
CrossesBear Creek
Location093412402
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.8642, -95.64221
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.8 US tons
Inventory rating33.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic219 (2022)
Projected traffic219 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.1 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM L Ave over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM L Ave over Bear 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FM L Ave over Bear Creek carry?

About 219 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is FM L Ave over Bear Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM L Ave over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.