US Bridges

FM over S. Br. Big Creek

PoorPosted for load

Henry County, Iowa · 071050504 · Structure no. 000000000180310

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over S. Br. Big Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM over S. Br. Big Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesS. Br. Big Creek
Location071050504
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.97847, -91.45763
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic60 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 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 S. Br. Big Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over S. Br. Big 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 S. Br. Big Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over S. Br. Big Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over S. Br. Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.