US Bridges

FM over Soap Creek

PoorPosted for load

Davis County, Iowa · 070141904 · Structure no. 000000000135670

Built
1905
120 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
233 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Soap Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over Soap Creek in Davis County, Iowa. It was built in 1905, so it is 120 years old, older 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2044. The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSoap Creek
Location070141904
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDavis County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.85591, -92.5112
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.2 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length233 ft (71 m)
Longest span137 ft (41.8 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2022)
Projected traffic70 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 Soap Creek built?

It was built in 1905, making it 120 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Soap 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Soap Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Soap Creek?

The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long with a longest span of 137 ft (41.8 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Soap Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.