US Bridges

FM over Otter Creek

Fair

Clarke County, Iowa · 072241702 · Structure no. 000000000114441

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
319
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Otter Creek is a steel culvert carrying FM over Otter Creek in Clarke 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 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 319 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 319 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesOtter Creek
Location072241702
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClarke County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.04462, -93.65338
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 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 traffic319 (2022)
Projected traffic319 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$403,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Otter Creek built?

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

What condition is FM over Otter 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Otter Creek carry?

About 319 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM over Otter Creek?

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

Who owns FM over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.