US Bridges

FM over Branch Beaver Creek

Poor

Grundy County, Iowa · 089171502 · Structure no. 000000000165950

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
393
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Branch Beaver Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Branch Beaver Creek in Grundy County, Iowa. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 393 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 393 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesBranch Beaver Creek
Location089171502
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.52405, -92.84959
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic393 (2022)
Projected traffic393 by 2043
Trucks12%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Branch Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Branch Beaver 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Branch Beaver Creek carry?

About 393 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM over Branch Beaver Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Branch Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.