US Bridges

US 218 SB over West Br Sugar Creek

Good

Lee County, Iowa · 0.2 Mi. N of Jct. SR J40 · Structure no. 000000000608285

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
228 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 SB over West Br Sugar Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 218 SB over West Br Sugar Creek in Lee 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 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 4,650 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,650 by 2043. The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 218 SB
CrossesWest Br Sugar Creek
Location0.2 Mi. N of Jct. SR J40
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates40.7295, -91.56365
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length228 ft (69.5 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,650 (2023)
Projected traffic4,650 by 2043
Trucks22%
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 West Br Sugar Creek built?

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

What condition is US 218 SB over West Br Sugar 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US 218 SB over West Br Sugar Creek carry?

About 4,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 218 SB over West Br Sugar Creek?

The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 SB over West Br Sugar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.