US Bridges

FM over Richland Creek

PoorPosted for load

Tama County, Iowa · 082151902 · Structure no. 000000000317030

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
39
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Richland Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Richland Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2044. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesRichland Creek
Location082151902
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.90127, -92.64942
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating8.6 US tons
Inventory rating3.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (2022)
Projected traffic39 by 2044
Trucks0%
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$693,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Richland Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Richland Creek carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Richland Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.