US Bridges

US 18 over Little Sioux Overflow

Fair

Clay County, Iowa · 3.6 Mi. E of E Jct. US 71 · Structure no. 000000000020350

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,170
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Little Sioux Overflow is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 over Little Sioux Overflow in Clay County, Iowa. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 94 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 4,170 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,170 by 2043. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesLittle Sioux Overflow
Location3.6 Mi. E of E Jct. US 71
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.12781, -95.07381
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.8 US tons
Inventory rating30.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,170 (2022)
Projected traffic4,170 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 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 Overflow built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is US 18 over Little Sioux Overflow 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 Overflow carry?

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

How long is US 18 over Little Sioux Overflow?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Little Sioux Overflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.