FM over Steele Creek
PoorPosted for loadDecatur County, Iowa · 067240204 · Structure no. 000000000135980
- Built
- 1952
- 73 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected November 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 243 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 40
- 2022 count
- Owner
- County
- County Highway Agency
About this bridge
FM over Steele Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Steele Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was FM over Steele Creek built?
It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.
What condition is FM over Steele 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 November 2023.
How much traffic does FM over Steele Creek carry?
About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.
How long is FM over Steele Creek?
The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.
Who owns FM over Steele Creek?
It is owned by the County Highway Agency.