US Bridges

US 218 NB over Big Creek

Good

Henry County, Iowa · 1.3 Mi. N of S Jct. US 34 · Structure no. 000000000607335

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
164 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,050
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 2000, so it is 25 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 6,050 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,050 by 2043. The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 218 NB
CrossesBig Creek
Location1.3 Mi. N of S Jct. US 34
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates41.00624, -91.54895
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length164 ft (50 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,050 (2022)
Projected traffic6,050 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 NB over Big Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 NB 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 NB over Big Creek carry?

About 6,050 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 218 NB over Big Creek?

The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 NB over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.