US Bridges

FM over So Branch Salt Creek

Fair

Tama County, Iowa · 084141904 · Structure no. 000000000318850

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
39
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over So Branch Salt Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over So Branch Salt Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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.

It carries about 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSo Branch Salt Creek
Location084141904
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.07269, -92.52248
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating43.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over So Branch Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over So Branch Salt 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM over So Branch Salt Creek carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over So Branch Salt Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns FM over So Branch Salt Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.