US Bridges

US 18 over E Branch Iowa River

Good

Hancock County, Iowa · 0.4 Mi. W of E Jct. US 69 · Structure no. 000000000026831

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over E Branch Iowa River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 18 over E Branch Iowa River in Hancock County, Iowa. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,500 by 2044. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesE Branch Iowa River
Location0.4 Mi. W of E Jct. US 69
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.10497, -93.62262
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating56.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2022)
Projected traffic6,500 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 E Branch Iowa River built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over E Branch Iowa 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 18 over E Branch Iowa River carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over E Branch Iowa River?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over E Branch Iowa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.