US Bridges

FM over Troublesome Creek

Poor

Tama County, Iowa · 083131403 · Structure no. 000000000317480

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Wood or Timber
Length
24 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
226
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Troublesome Creek is a wood or timber culvert carrying FM over Troublesome Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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.

It carries about 226 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 226 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesTroublesome Creek
Location083131403
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.00694, -92.3266
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating12.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic226 (2022)
Projected traffic226 by 2044
Trucks26%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$495,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Troublesome Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Troublesome 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Troublesome Creek carry?

About 226 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is FM over Troublesome Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns FM over Troublesome Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.