US Bridges

FM 255th ST over Beaverdam Creek

Poor

Franklin County, Iowa · 093200103 · Structure no. 000000000158301

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
176 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
687
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 255th ST over Beaverdam Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 255th ST over Beaverdam Creek in Franklin County, Iowa. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 687 vehicles a day, projected to reach 687 by 2043. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 255th ST
CrossesBeaverdam Creek
Location093200103
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFranklin County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.89855, -93.16258
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic687 (2022)
Projected traffic687 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$370,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 255th ST over Beaverdam Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 255th ST over Beaverdam 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 255th ST over Beaverdam Creek carry?

About 687 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM 255th ST over Beaverdam Creek?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM 255th ST over Beaverdam Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.