US Bridges

FM over South Otter Creek

FairPosted for load

Lucas County, Iowa · 073232109 · Structure no. 000000000227870

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
152 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over South Otter Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over South Otter Creek in Lucas County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2044. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSouth Otter Creek
Location073232109
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLucas County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.10715, -93.49879
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.
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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.4 US tons
Inventory rating17.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic40 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 South Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over South Otter 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM over South Otter Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over South Otter Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over South Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.