US Bridges

FM over Waterman Creek

Poor

O'Brien County, Iowa · 097401201 · Structure no. 000000000261701

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Waterman Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Waterman Creek in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger 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: open, posting recommended but not legally implemented.

It carries about 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2044. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesWaterman Creek
Location097401201
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.24249, -95.51711
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, posting recommended but not legally implemented
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (2022)
Projected traffic34 by 2044
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$200,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Waterman Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Waterman 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Waterman Creek carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Waterman Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Waterman Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.