US Bridges

FM over Lost Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Iowa · 069043103 · Structure no. 000000000219460

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Lost Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Lost Creek in Lee County, Iowa. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 120 vehicles a day, projected to reach 120 by 2043. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesLost Creek
Location069043103
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLee County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.73513, -91.36406
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.2 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2022)
Projected traffic120 by 2043
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$260,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Lost Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Lost 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Lost Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Lost Creek?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.