US Bridges

SB US 218 over Melrose Av

Fair

Johnson County, Iowa · 2.3 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 1 · Structure no. 000000000605560

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
308 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB US 218 over Melrose Av is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SB US 218 over Melrose Av in Johnson County, Iowa. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 11,650 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,650 by 2044. The structure is 308 ft (93.9 m) long and 43 ft wide.

CarriesSB US 218
CrossesMelrose Av
Location2.3 Mi. N of Jct. Ia 1
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates41.65733, -91.59845
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 rating80.2 US tons
Inventory rating48.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length308 ft (93.9 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,650 (2023)
Projected traffic11,650 by 2044
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 SB US 218 over Melrose Av built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB US 218 over Melrose Av 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SB US 218 over Melrose Av carry?

About 11,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SB US 218 over Melrose Av?

The structure is 308 ft (93.9 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SB US 218 over Melrose Av?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.