US Bridges

US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR

Fair

Dallas County, Iowa · 1.1 Mi. S of Jct. I-80 · Structure no. 000000000021841

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
597 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR in Dallas 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 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 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2044. The structure is 597 ft (182 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 169
CrossesBulger Creek & Iais RR
Location1.1 Mi. S of Jct. I-80
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyDallas County
StateIowa
Coordinates41.52447, -94.01255
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.6 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length597 ft (182 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2022)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR built?

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

What condition is US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR carry?

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR?

The structure is 597 ft (182 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Bulger Creek & Iais RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.