US Bridges

FM over Branch Otter Creek

PoorPosted for load

Tama County, Iowa · 083141703 · Structure no. 000000000317842

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
85 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
79
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Branch Otter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Branch Otter Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 79 vehicles a day, projected to reach 79 by 2044. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesBranch Otter Creek
Location083141703
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.99266, -92.50679
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating27.3 US tons
Inventory rating14.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic79 (2022)
Projected traffic79 by 2044
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 Branch Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Branch Otter 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 Branch Otter Creek carry?

About 79 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Branch Otter Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Branch Otter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.