US Bridges

US 169 over E Fork Des Moines River

Fair

Kossuth County, Iowa · 6.0 Mi. S of U.S.18 · Structure no. 000000000032890

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
246 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,880
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over E Fork Des Moines River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over E Fork Des Moines River in Kossuth County, Iowa. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, older 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 2,880 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,880 by 2044. The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 169
CrossesE Fork Des Moines River
Location6.0 Mi. S of U.S.18
RouteU.S. Route 169
StateIowa
Coordinates43.00053, -94.22736
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length246 ft (75 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,880 (2022)
Projected traffic2,880 by 2044
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 E Fork Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over E Fork Des Moines River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 169 over E Fork Des Moines River carry?

About 2,880 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over E Fork Des Moines River?

The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over E Fork Des Moines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.