US Bridges

US018 over Horsehead Ck

Fair

Fall River County, South Dakota · 0.6 E JCT US 385 S · Structure no. 000000024421200

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
598
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US018 over Horsehead Ck is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US018 over Horsehead Ck in Fall River County, South Dakota. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older than the South Dakota average of 48.9 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 598 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 889 by 2044. The structure is 163 ft (49.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS018
CrossesHorsehead Ck
Location0.6 E JCT US 385 S
RouteU.S. Route 18
Coordinates43.18767, -103.22626
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length163 ft (49.8 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic598 (2024)
Projected traffic889 by 2044
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 US018 over Horsehead Ck built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US018 over Horsehead Ck 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US018 over Horsehead Ck carry?

About 598 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US018 over Horsehead Ck?

The structure is 163 ft (49.8 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US018 over Horsehead Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.