US Bridges

FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch

Poor

Grundy County, Iowa · 087171302 · Structure no. 000000000164370

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
275
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch in Grundy County, Iowa. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 3 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 275 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 275 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesBlackhawk Creek Branch
Location087171302
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.34568, -92.7877
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2022)
Projected traffic275 by 2044
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Blackhawk Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.