US Bridges

FM over Frost Creek

PoorPosted for load

Guthrie County, Iowa · 080332302 · Structure no. 000000000169540

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Frost Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Frost Creek in Guthrie County, Iowa. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesFrost Creek
Location080332302
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGuthrie County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.71809, -94.6669
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.6 US tons
Inventory rating10.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$566,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Frost Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Frost 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Frost Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Frost Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Frost Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.