US Bridges

FM over Lotts Creek

FairPosted for load

Ringgold County, Iowa · 069283101 · Structure no. 000000000296860

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Lotts Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Lotts Creek in Ringgold County, Iowa. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 84 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 load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2043. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesFM
CrossesLotts Creek
Location069283101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRinggold County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.73927, -94.12051
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 inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2023)
Projected traffic25 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Lotts Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is FM over Lotts 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 2022.

How much traffic does FM over Lotts Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is FM over Lotts Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Lotts Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.