US Bridges

US 18 over Wapsipinicon River

Fair

Chickasaw County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. E of SR V14 · Structure no. 000000000019611

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
264 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,280
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Wapsipinicon River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 over Wapsipinicon River in Chickasaw County, Iowa. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 2,280 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,280 by 2043. The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 18
CrossesWapsipinicon River
Location0.1 Mi. E of SR V14
RouteU.S. Route 18
CountyChickasaw County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.06679, -92.45383
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length264 ft (80.5 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,280 (2022)
Projected traffic2,280 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Wapsipinicon River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over Wapsipinicon 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 18 over Wapsipinicon River carry?

About 2,280 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Wapsipinicon River?

The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Wapsipinicon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.