US Bridges

FM over West Rat Creek

Poor

Lyon County, Iowa · 098430102 · Structure no. 000000000227930

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
230
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over West Rat Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over West Rat Creek in Lyon County, Iowa. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 230 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 230 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWest Rat Creek
Location098430102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLyon County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.34173, -95.88036
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (2022)
Projected traffic230 by 2043
Trucks29%
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$693,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over West Rat Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over West Rat Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM over West Rat Creek carry?

About 230 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is FM over West Rat Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over West Rat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.