US Bridges

FM C-38 over Plymouth Creek

Good

Plymouth County, Iowa · 092453501 · Structure no. 000000000274751

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,267
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM C-38 over Plymouth Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM C-38 over Plymouth Creek in Plymouth 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,267 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,267 by 2044. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 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 C-38
CrossesPlymouth Creek
Location092453501
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPlymouth County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.74968, -96.12022
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating57.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,267 (2022)
Projected traffic1,267 by 2044
Trucks20%
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 C-38 over Plymouth Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM C-38 over Plymouth Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does FM C-38 over Plymouth Creek carry?

About 1,267 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM C-38 over Plymouth Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM C-38 over Plymouth Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.