US Bridges

FM over Big Cedar Creek

Fair

Henry County, Iowa · 071072805 · Structure no. 000000000180720

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
304 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
140
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Big Cedar Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Big Cedar Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 years old, older 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 140 vehicles a day, projected to reach 140 by 2043. The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBig Cedar Creek
Location071072805
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.92543, -91.6743
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length304 ft (92.7 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2022)
Projected traffic140 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Big Cedar Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Big Cedar 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 Cedar Creek carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Big Cedar Creek?

The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Big Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.