US Bridges

FM over Big Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Poweshiek County, Iowa · 080150502 · Structure no. 000000000293650

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Big Bear Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM over Big Bear Creek in Poweshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location080150502
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPoweshiek County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.77531, -92.62999
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating20.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2022)
Projected traffic45 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$840,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Big Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Big Bear 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 Big Bear Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.