US Bridges

US 218 SB over Big Creek

Good

Henry County, Iowa · 1.3 Mi. N of N Jct. US 34 · Structure no. 000000000028520

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 SB over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 218 SB over Big Creek in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 years old, older 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 6,150 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,150 by 2043. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 218 SB
CrossesBig Creek
Location1.3 Mi. N of N Jct. US 34
RouteU.S. Route 218
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.00675, -91.54926
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 inspectionApril 2023
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,150 (2023)
Projected traffic6,150 by 2043
Trucks26%
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 SB over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 SB over Big Creek 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 2023.

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

About 6,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 218 SB over Big Creek?

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 SB over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.