US Bridges

FM over Long Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Decatur County, Iowa · 070262101 · Structure no. 000000000138830

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
180 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Long Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying FM over Long Creek in Decatur County, Iowa. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 0 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesLong Creek
Location070262101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.85424, -93.84958
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
Deck0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Superstructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Substructure0 FailedOut of service and beyond corrective action.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span141 ft (43 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Long Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 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 11 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Long Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 141 ft (43 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Long Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.