US Bridges

FM over Otter Creek

FairPosted for load

Osceola County, Iowa · 098420104 · Structure no. 000000000262710

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Otter Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Otter Creek in Osceola County, Iowa. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2044. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesOtter Creek
Location098420104
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates43.33524, -95.76185
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating18.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic60 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Otter 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Otter Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Otter Creek?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.