US Bridges

FM over Waterman Creek

Fair

O'Brien County, Iowa · 097400102 · Structure no. 000000000261661

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
309
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Waterman Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Waterman Creek in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 309 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 309 by 2044. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWaterman Creek
Location097400102
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.25471, -95.52551
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic309 (2022)
Projected traffic309 by 2044
Trucks30%
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 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 Waterman Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Waterman Creek carry?

About 309 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is FM over Waterman Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Waterman Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.