US Bridges

FM over Plum Creek

Poor

Lyon County, Iowa · 098480102 · Structure no. 000000000229300

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
210
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Plum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM over Plum Creek in Lyon County, Iowa. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 210 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesPlum Creek
Location098480102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLyon County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.34306, -96.46687
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic210 (2022)
Projected traffic210 by 2043
Trucks16%
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 Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Plum 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 Plum Creek carry?

About 210 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM over Plum Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FM over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.