US Bridges

US 218 over Millers Creek

Fair

Black Hawk County, Iowa · 2.1 Mi. S of S.R. D38 · Structure no. 000000000014810

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
182 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,480
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 over Millers Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 218 over Millers Creek in Black Hawk County, Iowa. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 3,480 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,480 by 2042. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 218
CrossesMillers Creek
Location2.1 Mi. S of S.R. D38
RouteU.S. Route 218
CountyBlack Hawk County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.38747, -92.24764
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,480 (2022)
Projected traffic3,480 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Millers Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 over Millers 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 US 218 over Millers Creek carry?

About 3,480 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 218 over Millers Creek?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 over Millers Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.