US Bridges

US 218 SB over S. Fork Long Creek

Fair

Washington County, Iowa · 1.5 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 92 · Structure no. 000000000606897

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
137 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,750
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 SB over S. Fork Long Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 218 SB over S. Fork Long 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 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 5,750 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,750 by 2043. The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 218 SB
CrossesS. Fork Long Creek
Location1.5 Mi. S of Jct. Ia 92
RouteU.S. Route 218
StateIowa
Coordinates41.26996, -91.53806
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating75.4 US tons
Inventory rating45.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length137 ft (41.8 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,750 (2023)
Projected traffic5,750 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 S. Fork Long Creek built?

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

What condition is US 218 SB over S. Fork Long Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 218 SB over S. Fork Long Creek carry?

About 5,750 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 218 SB over S. Fork Long Creek?

The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 218 SB over S. Fork Long Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.