US Bridges

US 169 over Blue Earth River

Fair

Kossuth County, Iowa · 0.5 Mi. S of Jct. SR A16 · Structure no. 000000000032981

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,430
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Blue Earth River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Blue Earth River in Kossuth County, Iowa. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 1,430 vehicles a day, roughly 47% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,430 by 2044. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 169
CrossesBlue Earth River
Location0.5 Mi. S of Jct. SR A16
RouteU.S. Route 169
StateIowa
Coordinates43.48072, -94.08881
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 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 traffic1,430 (2022)
Projected traffic1,430 by 2044
Trucks47%
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 Blue Earth River built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Blue Earth 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 169 over Blue Earth River carry?

About 1,430 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 47% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Blue Earth River?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Blue Earth River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.