US Bridges

FM over Jim Creek

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Iowa · 077281802 · Structure no. 000000000234980

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
668
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Jim Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Jim Creek in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 668 vehicles a day, projected to reach 668 by 2043. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesJim Creek
Location077281802
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadison County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.46951, -94.12749
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic668 (2022)
Projected traffic668 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.9 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Jim Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Jim 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Jim Creek carry?

About 668 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Jim Creek?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Jim Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.