US Bridges

US 18 over Turkey River

Good

Fayette County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. W of Jct. SR W51 · Structure no. 000000000024421

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
290 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Turkey River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 over Turkey River in Fayette County, Iowa. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 2,750 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,750 by 2044. The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesTurkey River
Location0.1 Mi. W of Jct. SR W51
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates42.99758, -91.65828
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length290 ft (88.4 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,750 (2022)
Projected traffic2,750 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Turkey River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over Turkey 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 Turkey River carry?

About 2,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Turkey River?

The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Turkey River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.