US Bridges

FM over Rat Creek

FairPosted for load

Osceola County, Iowa · 098420802 · Structure no. 000000000262780

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Rat Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Rat Creek in Osceola County, Iowa. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesRat Creek
Location098420802
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOsceola County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.32655, -95.84198
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating16.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2022)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 Rat Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Rat 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 Rat Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Rat Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Rat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.