US Bridges

US 69 over Fourmile Creek

Fair

Polk County, Iowa · 1.3 Miles N of Ia 160 · Structure no. 000000000040660

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 69 over Fourmile Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 69 over Fourmile Creek in Polk County, Iowa. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,800 by 2044. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 69
CrossesFourmile Creek
Location1.3 Miles N of Ia 160
RouteU.S. Route 69
StateIowa
Coordinates41.77892, -93.6005
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2022)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 69 over Fourmile Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 69 over Fourmile 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 69 over Fourmile Creek carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 69 over Fourmile Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US 69 over Fourmile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.