US Bridges

US 18 over East Wapsipinicon River

Fair

Chickasaw County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. W of JCT S.R. V48 · Structure no. 000000000019731

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
276 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,150
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over East Wapsipinicon River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 18 over East Wapsipinicon River in Chickasaw County, Iowa. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 3,150 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,150 by 2044. The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 18
CrossesEast Wapsipinicon River
Location0.3 Mi. W of JCT S.R. V48
RouteU.S. Route 18
CountyChickasaw County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.96511, -92.21039
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length276 ft (84.1 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,150 (2022)
Projected traffic3,150 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 East Wapsipinicon River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over East 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 18 over East Wapsipinicon River carry?

About 3,150 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over East Wapsipinicon River?

The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over East Wapsipinicon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.