US Bridges

US 18 over Little Sioux River

Fair

Clay County, Iowa · 2.1 Mi. W of W JCT US 71 · Structure no. 000000000020320

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
179 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,560
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Little Sioux River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 over Little Sioux River in Clay County, Iowa. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 95 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 5 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 2,560 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,560 by 2043. The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location2.1 Mi. W of W JCT US 71
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.18434, -95.19193
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length179 ft (54.6 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,560 (2022)
Projected traffic2,560 by 2043
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Sioux River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is US 18 over Little Sioux 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 18 over Little Sioux River carry?

About 2,560 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.