US Bridges

US 169 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Madison County, Iowa · 0.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR G-68 · Structure no. 000000000607175

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,890
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 169 over Drainage Ditch in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 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 1,890 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,890 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long.

CarriesUS 169
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.6 Mi. N of Jct. SR G-68
RouteU.S. Route 169
StateIowa
Coordinates41.25241, -94.04232
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,890 (2022)
Projected traffic1,890 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Drainage Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,890 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 169 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.