US Bridges

FM over Branch Bee Creek

Poor

Clarke County, Iowa · 071261604 · Structure no. 000000000113961

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
131
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Branch Bee Creek is a steel culvert carrying FM over Branch Bee Creek in Clarke County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 3 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.

It carries about 131 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 131 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBranch Bee Creek
Location071261604
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClarke County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.94457, -93.86435
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
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating98.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131 (2022)
Projected traffic131 by 2044
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Branch Bee Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Branch Bee Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Branch Bee Creek carry?

About 131 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM over Branch Bee Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m).

Who owns FM over Branch Bee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.