US Bridges

US 218 SB over Big Creek

Fair

Henry County, Iowa · 3.0 Mi. S of S Jct. US 34 · Structure no. 000000000608135

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,950
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 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger 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 6 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 4,950 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,950 by 2043. The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 43 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
Location3.0 Mi. S of S Jct. US 34
RouteU.S. Route 218
CountyHenry County
StateIowa
Coordinates40.92023, -91.54225
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length203 ft (61.9 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 traffic4,950 (2023)
Projected traffic4,950 by 2043
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 218 SB over Big Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

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

About 4,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is US 218 SB over Big Creek?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 SB over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.