US Bridges

US 169 over Lotts Creek

Fair

Humboldt County, Iowa · 2.0 Mi. S of SR C12 · Structure no. 000000000028951

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,220
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Lotts Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Lotts Creek in Humboldt County, Iowa. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 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 3,220 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,220 by 2042. The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 169
CrossesLotts Creek
Location2.0 Mi. S of SR C12
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyHumboldt County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.87832, -94.2273
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length163 ft (49.7 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,220 (2022)
Projected traffic3,220 by 2042
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Lotts Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Lotts 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Lotts Creek carry?

About 3,220 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Lotts Creek?

The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Lotts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.