US Bridges

US 218 over Ditch

Fair

Mower County, Minnesota · 4.4 MI N of JCT TH 251 · Structure no. 6304

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,200
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 over Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 218 over Ditch in Mower County, Minnesota. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 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 4,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,350 by 2038. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 218
CrossesDitch
Location4.4 MI N of JCT TH 251
RouteU.S. Route 218
CountyMower County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.8204, -93.01987
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,200 (2018)
Projected traffic4,350 by 2038
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$42 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 218 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 over 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 218 over Ditch carry?

About 4,200 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 218 over Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m).

Who owns US 218 over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.