US Bridges

US 218 NB over Big Creek

Fair

Henry County, Iowa · 3.0 Mi. S of S Jct. US 34 · Structure no. 000000000028480

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
200 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,850
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 NB over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 218 NB over Big Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 5 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 4,850 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,850 by 2044. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 218 NB
CrossesBig Creek
Location3.0 Mi. S of S Jct. US 34
RouteU.S. Route 218
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.9196, -91.54223
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating34.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,850 (2022)
Projected traffic4,850 by 2044
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 218 NB over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 NB over Big Creek 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 218 NB over Big Creek carry?

About 4,850 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is US 218 NB over Big Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 NB over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.