US Bridges

FM over Small Stream

PoorPosted for load

Washington County, Iowa · 076082104 · Structure no. 000000000337140

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Small Stream is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Small Stream in Washington County, Iowa. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesSmall Stream
Location076082104
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates41.36583, -91.79315
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating38.5 US tons
Inventory rating21.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
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 Small Stream built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over Small Stream 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM over Small Stream carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Small Stream?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Small Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.