US Bridges

US 218 over Big Slough Creek

Good

Washington County, Iowa · 3.8 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 92 · Structure no. 000000000606880

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 over Big Slough Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 218 over Big Slough Creek in Washington County, Iowa. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 12,400 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,400 by 2044. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesUS 218
CrossesBig Slough Creek
Location3.8 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 92
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates41.23717, -91.53264
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 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 traffic12,400 (2022)
Projected traffic12,400 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 218 over Big Slough Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 over Big Slough 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 218 over Big Slough Creek carry?

About 12,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 218 over Big Slough Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 218 over Big Slough Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.