US Bridges

FM over Long Creek

FairPosted for load

Decatur County, Iowa · 070263205 · Structure no. 000000000138940

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
253 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
627
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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 627 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 627 by 2042. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesLong Creek
Location070263205
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.82183, -93.86532
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic627 (2022)
Projected traffic627 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in November 2022.

How much traffic does FM over Long Creek carry?

About 627 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM over Long Creek?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Long Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.