US Bridges

US 218 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Bremer County, Iowa · 0.4 Mi. N of Jct. Ia #188 · Structure no. 000000000608675

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,900
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 Bremer County, Iowa. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,900 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,900 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 218
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.4 Mi. N of Jct. Ia #188
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates42.85328, -92.54442
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.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,900 (2022)
Projected traffic7,900 by 2044
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 218 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 218 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 7,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 218 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 218 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.