US Bridges

FM over Whiskey Creek

FairPosted for load

O'Brien County, Iowa · 094413202 · Structure no. 000000000259280

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Whiskey Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Whiskey Creek in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 98 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2043. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWhiskey Creek
Location094413202
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.91699, -95.72219
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$350,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Whiskey Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is FM over Whiskey 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 Whiskey Creek carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Whiskey Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Whiskey Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.