US Bridges

FM over Long Creek

PoorPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 070260903 · Structure no. 000000000138770

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
176 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Long Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Long Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2043. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesLong Creek
Location070260903
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.88288, -93.85794
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 rating31.9 US tons
Inventory rating19.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2022)
Projected traffic26 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Long Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Long 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 Long Creek carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Long Creek?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Long Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.