US Bridges

FM over Sugar Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Iowa · 067061903 · Structure no. 000000000218500

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
270
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Sugar Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Sugar Creek in Lee 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 270 vehicles a day, projected to reach 270 by 2043. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSugar Creek
Location067061903
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLee County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.59038, -91.58413
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.6 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic270 (2022)
Projected traffic270 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 Sugar Creek built?

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

What condition is FM over Sugar 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does FM over Sugar Creek carry?

About 270 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Sugar Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Sugar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.