US Bridges

FM over North Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Winneshiek County, Iowa · 100071502 · Structure no. 000000000349210

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
39
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over North Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over North Bear Creek in Winneshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesNorth Bear Creek
Location100071502
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates43.47931, -91.66771
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating13 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (2022)
Projected traffic39 by 2043
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over North Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM over North Bear 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM over North Bear Creek carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over North Bear Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over North Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.