US Bridges

US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River

Good

Clay County, Iowa · 0.7 Mi. W of E Jct. US 71 · Structure no. 000000000020331

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
459 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River in Clay County, Iowa. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 16,900 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,900 by 2044. The structure is 459 ft (139.9 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 18 & 71
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location0.7 Mi. W of E Jct. US 71
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.13743, -95.14442
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length459 ft (139.9 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.3 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,900 (2022)
Projected traffic16,900 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River carry?

About 16,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 459 ft (139.9 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 & 71 over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.