US Bridges

FM over Bear Creek

Fair

Hardin County, Iowa · 086190202 · Structure no. 000000000174460

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying FM over Bear Creek in Hardin County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBear Creek
Location086190202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHardin County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.28461, -93.04089
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating16.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2044
Trucks0%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Bear 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Bear Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Bear Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.