US Bridges

FM over Rat Creek

Fair

Lyon County, Iowa · 098433301 · Structure no. 000000000228141

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
62 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Rat Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Rat Creek in Lyon County, Iowa. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesRat Creek
Location098433301
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLyon County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.27237, -95.93725
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Rat Creek built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Rat 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Rat Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Rat Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Rat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.