US Bridges

FM over Elk Creek

PoorPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 068271202 · Structure no. 000000000137571

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
183 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Elk Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over Elk Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 125 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, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesElk Creek
Location068271202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.70945, -93.91982
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.5 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is FM over Elk 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 Elk Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Elk Creek?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.