US Bridges

FM over Big Creek

Fair

Henry County, Iowa · 071060603 · Structure no. 000000000180401

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
246 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
540
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Big Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 540 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 540 by 2043. The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBig Creek
Location071060603
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.97906, -91.59456
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length246 ft (75 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic540 (2022)
Projected traffic540 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Big 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Big Creek carry?

About 540 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM over Big Creek?

The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.