US Bridges

FM over North Bear Creek

Poor

Winneshiek County, Iowa · 100072202 · Structure no. 000000000349230

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
49
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over North Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over North Bear Creek in Winneshiek County, Iowa. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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.

It carries about 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 49 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM
CrossesNorth Bear Creek
Location100072202
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIowa
Coordinates43.46439, -91.66864
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (2022)
Projected traffic49 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 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 1900, making it 125 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 49 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over North Bear Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM over North Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.