US Bridges

FM over Rock Creek

PoorPosted for load

Van Buren County, Iowa · 069092103 · Structure no. 000000000328510

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Rock Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM over Rock Creek in Van Buren 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 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 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2043. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesRock Creek
Location069092103
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.76799, -91.90421
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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating38.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2022)
Projected traffic70 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Rock Creek built?

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

What condition is FM over Rock 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Rock Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Rock Creek?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.