US 18 & Ia 4 over W Fork Des Moines River
GoodPalo Alto County, Iowa · 2.5 MI E of W JCT Ia 4 · Structure no. 000000000039140
- Built
- 1965
- 60 years old
- Condition
- Good
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 244 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 4,890
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 18 & Ia 4 over W Fork Des Moines River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 & Ia 4 over W Fork Des Moines River in Palo Alto County, Iowa. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older 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 4,890 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,890 by 2043. The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 18 & Ia 4 over W Fork Des Moines River built?
It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.
What condition is US 18 & Ia 4 over W 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 & Ia 4 over W Fork Des Moines River carry?
About 4,890 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.
How long is US 18 & Ia 4 over W Fork Des Moines River?
The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.
Who owns US 18 & Ia 4 over W Fork Des Moines River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.