US Bridges

FM over Paul Creek

Poor

Des Moines County, Iowa · 072020703 · Structure no. 000000000144096

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Paul Creek is a steel culvert carrying FM over Paul Creek in Des Moines 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.

It carries about 130 vehicles a day, projected to reach 130 by 2044. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesPaul Creek
Location072020703
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDes Moines County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.05882, -91.13179
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2022)
Projected traffic130 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Paul Creek built?

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

What condition is FM over Paul 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Paul Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Paul Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns FM over Paul Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.