US Bridges

FM over Small Stream

Poor

Louisa County, Iowa · 074052801 · Structure no. 000000000224340

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
660
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Small Stream is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FM over Small Stream in Louisa County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 660 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 660 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSmall Stream
Location074052801
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLouisa County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.19111, -91.44055
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic660 (2022)
Projected traffic660 by 2044
Trucks15%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 1960, making it 65 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 660 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM over Small Stream?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.