US Bridges

US 18 over Old Woman Creek

Fair

Niobrara County, Wyoming · Lusk - Newcastle · Structure no. FEW

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
145 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,150
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 18 over Old Woman Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 18 over Old Woman Creek in Niobrara County, Wyoming. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 5 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 2,150 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,010 by 2043. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS 18
CrossesOld Woman Creek
LocationLusk - Newcastle
RouteU.S. Route 85
StateWyoming
Coordinates43.24715, -104.29307
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,150 (2024)
Projected traffic3,010 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 18 over Old Woman Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 18 over Old Woman 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 18 over Old Woman Creek carry?

About 2,150 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 18 over Old Woman Creek?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 18 over Old Woman Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.