US Bridges

FM over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Ida County, Iowa · 088393202 · Structure no. 000000000186740

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
589
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Buffalo Creek in Ida County, Iowa. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 589 vehicles a day, projected to reach 589 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location088393202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIda County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.39866, -95.42021
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic589 (2022)
Projected traffic589 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Buffalo 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 589 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns FM over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.