US Bridges

US 18 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr

Fair

Chickasaw County, Iowa · 3.0 Mi. W of W Jct. US 63 · Structure no. 000000000019630

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
233 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,030
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 18 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr in Chickasaw County, Iowa. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 3,030 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,030 by 2042. The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 18
CrossesLittle Wapsipinicon Rvr
Location3.0 Mi. W of W Jct. US 63
RouteU.S. Route 18
CountyChickasaw County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.06611, -92.39452
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length233 ft (71 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,030 (2022)
Projected traffic3,030 by 2042
Trucks12%
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 Little Wapsipinicon Rvr built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 18 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr carry?

About 3,030 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr?

The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Little Wapsipinicon Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.