US Bridges

FM over Rat Creek

Poor

Lyon County, Iowa · 098432202 · Structure no. 000000000228070

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
124 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
199
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Rat Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM over Rat Creek in Lyon County, Iowa. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 199 vehicles a day, projected to reach 199 by 2043. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 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
CrossesRat Creek
Location098432202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLyon County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.2904, -95.92131
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic199 (2022)
Projected traffic199 by 2043
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$781,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Rat Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over 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 Rat Creek carry?

About 199 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Rat Creek?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Rat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.