US Bridges

US 18 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

O'Brien County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. W of W JCT SR L40 · Structure no. 000000000038220

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,530
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 18 over Drainage Ditch in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 67 years old, older 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 4,530 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,530 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 18
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.1 Mi. W of W JCT SR L40
RouteU.S. Route 18
CountyO'Brien County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.18615, -95.74441
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,530 (2022)
Projected traffic4,530 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is US 18 over Drainage Ditch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 18 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 4,530 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 18 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.