US Bridges

US 218 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Benton County, Iowa · 1.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR E44 · Structure no. 000000000608745

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,690
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 218 over Drainage Ditch in Benton County, Iowa. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,690 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,690 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesUS 218
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR E44
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates42.02974, -92.02924
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.6 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (7.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,690 (2022)
Projected traffic2,690 by 2044
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 218 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 over Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does US 218 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,690 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 218 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 218 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.