US Bridges

US 18 over Stream

Fair

O'Brien County, Iowa · 1.6 Mi. W of Jct. SR M12 · Structure no. 000000000605770

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,530
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Stream is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 18 over Stream in O'Brien County, Iowa. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1989, 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 3,530 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,530 by 2044. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesStream
Location1.6 Mi. W of Jct. SR M12
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateIowa
Coordinates43.18505, -95.51886
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 23 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,530 (2022)
Projected traffic3,530 by 2044
Trucks20%
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 Stream built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is US 18 over Stream 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 18 over Stream carry?

About 3,530 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Stream?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 18 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.