US Bridges

FM over Mill Creek Branch

Fair

O'Brien County, Iowa · 095410401 · Structure no. 000000000260060

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,087
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Mill Creek Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Mill Creek Branch in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 66 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.

It carries about 1,087 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,087 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesMill Creek Branch
Location095410401
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.08451, -95.69877
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,087 (2022)
Projected traffic1,087 by 2043
Trucks19%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$50,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Mill Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is FM over Mill Creek Branch 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 Mill Creek Branch carry?

About 1,087 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM over Mill Creek Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Mill Creek Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.