US Bridges

US 18 over E Fork Des Moines River

Good

Kossuth County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. E of US 169 · Structure no. 000000000032841

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
330 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over E Fork Des Moines River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 over E Fork Des Moines River in Kossuth County, Iowa. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 5,900 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,900 by 2043. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesE Fork Des Moines River
Location0.2 Mi. E of US 169
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.08279, -94.23183
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating92.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.4 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,900 (2022)
Projected traffic5,900 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 18 over E Fork Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over E Fork Des Moines River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 18 over E Fork Des Moines River carry?

About 5,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over E Fork Des Moines River?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over E Fork Des Moines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.