US Bridges

FM over Small Stream

Poor

Louisa County, Iowa · 073030704 · Structure no. 000000000223641

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Small Stream is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Small Stream in Louisa County, Iowa. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 4 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.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSmall Stream
Location073030704
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLouisa County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.14522, -91.24499
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2022)
Projected traffic45 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Small Stream built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Small Stream 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Small Stream carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Small Stream?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.