US Bridges

FM over Buck Creek

Fair

Poweshiek County, Iowa · 078153005 · Structure no. 000000000291781

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Buck Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying FM over Buck Creek in Poweshiek 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 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2043. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBuck Creek
Location078153005
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPoweshiek County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.53087, -92.63521
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.1 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic60 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Buck Creek built?

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

What condition is FM over Buck 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Buck Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Buck Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.