US Bridges

US 218 NB over BNSF RR

Good

Henry County, Iowa · 0.3 Mi. W of E JCT US 218 · Structure no. 000000000607995

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
207 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 NB over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 218 NB over BNSF RR in Henry County, Iowa. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 4,400 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,400 by 2043. The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 218 NB
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.3 Mi. W of E JCT US 218
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates40.96263, -91.51689
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length207 ft (63.1 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,400 (2022)
Projected traffic4,400 by 2043
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 218 NB over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 NB over BNSF RR 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 BNSF RR carry?

About 4,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is US 218 NB over BNSF RR?

The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 NB over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.