US Bridges

FM over Prairie Creek

Poor

Henry County, Iowa · 070062507 · Structure no. 000000000180140

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
76 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
450
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Prairie Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Prairie Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2044. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location070062507
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates40.83868, -91.49968
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2022)
Projected traffic450 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Prairie 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Prairie Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.