US Bridges

FM over Coppers Creek

Fair

Van Buren County, Iowa · 069092207 · Structure no. 000000000328540

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Coppers Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Coppers Creek in Van Buren County, Iowa. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2043. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesCoppers Creek
Location069092207
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.75609, -91.88287
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Coppers Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Coppers 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Coppers Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Coppers Creek?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Coppers Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.