US Bridges

US 18 over Watkins Draw

Fair

Converse County, Wyoming · Orin JCT - Lusk · Structure no. CEX

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,117
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Watkins Draw is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 18 over Watkins Draw in Converse County, Wyoming. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 years old, older than the Wyoming average of 48.4 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 2,117 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,964 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 57.8 mi (93 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesWatkins Draw
LocationOrin JCT - Lusk
RouteU.S. Route 18
StateWyoming
Coordinates42.75735, -104.96362
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,117 (2024)
Projected traffic2,964 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed57.8 mi (93 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 18 over Watkins Draw built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over Watkins Draw 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 18 over Watkins Draw carry?

About 2,117 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Watkins Draw?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 18 over Watkins Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.