US Bridges

FM over Minerva Creek

Poor

Hardin County, Iowa · 086213003 · Structure no. 000000000175091

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
550
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Minerva Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Minerva Creek in Hardin County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesMinerva Creek
Location086213003
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates42.23812, -93.3295
Functional classRural Major 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.
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 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2022)
Projected traffic550 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Minerva Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Minerva 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Minerva Creek carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is FM over Minerva Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Minerva Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.