US Bridges

FM over Jonathan Creek

PoorPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 069250103 · Structure no. 000000000137860

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
106 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Jonathan Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over Jonathan Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 105 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2043. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesJonathan Creek
Location069250103
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.80566, -93.67315
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating6.9 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (2022)
Projected traffic29 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Jonathan Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is FM over Jonathan 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Jonathan Creek carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Jonathan Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Jonathan Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.