US Bridges

SB US 218 over Ia 3

Good

Bremer County, Iowa · At the Jct. of Ia. 3 · Structure no. 000000000606685

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
201 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB US 218 over Ia 3 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SB US 218 over Ia 3 in Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2043. The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSB US 218
CrossesIa 3
LocationAt the Jct. of Ia. 3
RouteU.S. Route 218
CountyBremer County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.71538, -92.53467
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.5 US tons
Inventory rating47.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length201 ft (61.3 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2023)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2043
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SB US 218 over Ia 3 built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB US 218 over Ia 3 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SB US 218 over Ia 3 carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is SB US 218 over Ia 3?

The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SB US 218 over Ia 3?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.