US Bridges

US 169 over Branch Lotts Creek

Fair

Humboldt County, Iowa · 1.6 Mi. N of SR C20 · Structure no. 000000000028961

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,220
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Branch Lotts Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 169 over Branch 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 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 169
CrossesBranch Lotts Creek
Location1.6 Mi. N of SR C20
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyHumboldt County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.88662, -94.22738
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 Branch Lotts Creek built?

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

What condition is US 169 over Branch 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Branch Lotts Creek carry?

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

How long is US 169 over Branch Lotts Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 169 over Branch Lotts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.