US Bridges

US 18 over Br Little Wapsipinicon R

Fair

Chickasaw County, Iowa · 1.9 Mi. W of Jct. US 63 · Structure no. 000000000019640

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,030
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Br Little Wapsipinicon R is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 over Br Little Wapsipinicon R in Chickasaw County, Iowa. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 91 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 2044. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 18
CrossesBr Little Wapsipinicon R
Location1.9 Mi. W of Jct. US 63
RouteU.S. Route 18
CountyChickasaw County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.06609, -92.37129
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,030 (2022)
Projected traffic3,030 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Br Little Wapsipinicon R built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is US 18 over Br Little Wapsipinicon R 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 18 over Br Little Wapsipinicon R carry?

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

How long is US 18 over Br Little Wapsipinicon R?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Br Little Wapsipinicon R?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.