US Bridges

FM over Salt Creek

PoorPosted for load

Tama County, Iowa · 085143406 · Structure no. 000000000319780

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
79
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Salt Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Salt Creek in Tama County, Iowa. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesSalt Creek
Location085143406
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTama County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.13655, -92.46539
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating17.7 US tons
Inventory rating8.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Salt 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 Salt Creek carry?

About 79 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Salt Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Salt Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.