US Bridges

US 18 over Crane Creek

Good

Cerro Gordo County, Iowa · 1.9 Mi. E of Jct. I-35 · Structure no. 000000000601745

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Crane Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 18 over Crane Creek in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 8,300 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,300 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesCrane Creek
Location1.9 Mi. E of Jct. I-35
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.10518, -93.30962
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 inspectionAugust 2023
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 rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,300 (2022)
Projected traffic8,300 by 2043
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 18 over Crane Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over Crane Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 18 over Crane Creek carry?

About 8,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Crane Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 18 over Crane Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.