US Bridges

FM over Waterman Creek

Fair

O'Brien County, Iowa · 094390314 · Structure no. 000000000258600

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
178 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
210
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Waterman Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Waterman Creek in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older 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 210 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2043. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWaterman Creek
Location094390314
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.98431, -95.43215
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length178 ft (54.3 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic210 (2022)
Projected traffic210 by 2043
Trucks15%
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$950,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Waterman Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Waterman 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Waterman Creek carry?

About 210 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM over Waterman Creek?

The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Waterman Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.