US Bridges

US 18 over Little Sioux River

Good

Clay County, Iowa · 3.1 Mi. E of E Jct. US 71 · Structure no. 000000000020341

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
538 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,170
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 2010, so it is 15 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 4,170 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,170 by 2044. The structure is 538 ft (164 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesLittle Sioux River
Location3.1 Mi. E of E Jct. US 71
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.12738, -95.08276
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length538 ft (164 m)
Longest span137 ft (41.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,170 (2022)
Projected traffic4,170 by 2044
Trucks16%
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 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 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 November 2024.

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

About 4,170 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Little Sioux River?

The structure is 538 ft (164 m) long with a longest span of 137 ft (41.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Little Sioux River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.