US Bridges

SB US 218 over Cedar River

Fair

Bremer County, Iowa · 0.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR C50 · Structure no. 000000000601240

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
679 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
9,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB US 218 over Cedar River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SB US 218 over Cedar River in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 6 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 9,700 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,700 by 2044. The structure is 679 ft (207 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSB US 218
CrossesCedar River
Location0.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR C50
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates42.65311, -92.46518
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating57.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length679 ft (207 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,700 (2023)
Projected traffic9,700 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 SB US 218 over Cedar River built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB US 218 over Cedar River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SB US 218 over Cedar River carry?

About 9,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SB US 218 over Cedar River?

The structure is 679 ft (207 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SB US 218 over Cedar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.