US Bridges

R-35 FM over West Otter Creek

Fair

Hancock County, Iowa · 094252202 · Structure no. 000000000026930

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,127
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

R-35 FM over West Otter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying R-35 FM over West Otter Creek in Hancock County, Iowa. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 87 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,127 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,127 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesR-35 FM
CrossesWest Otter Creek
Location094252202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHancock County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.94912, -93.79308
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,127 (2022)
Projected traffic1,127 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$772,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was R-35 FM over West Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is R-35 FM over West Otter Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does R-35 FM over West Otter Creek carry?

About 1,127 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is R-35 FM over West Otter Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns R-35 FM over West Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.