US Bridges

FM 180th Ave over Buffalo Creek

PoorPosted for load

Kossuth County, Iowa · 097281202 · Structure no. 000000000215760

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
87 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
159
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 180th Ave over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 180th Ave over Buffalo Creek in Kossuth County, Iowa. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 159 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 159 by 2044. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 180th Ave
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location097281202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKossuth County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.2405, -94.10878
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJune 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.9 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic159 (2021)
Projected traffic159 by 2044
Trucks18%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 180th Ave over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 180th Ave over Buffalo 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM 180th Ave over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 159 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is FM 180th Ave over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM 180th Ave over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.