US Bridges

FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch

Poor

Grundy County, Iowa · 088162101 · Structure no. 000000000164900

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
177
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch in Grundy County, Iowa. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 177 vehicles a day, projected to reach 177 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBlackhawk Creek Branch
Location088162101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGrundy County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.42736, -92.72553
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.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.2 US tons
Inventory rating49.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic177 (2022)
Projected traffic177 by 2044
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 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 1956, making it 69 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 177 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM over Blackhawk Creek Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.