US Bridges

US 169 over Middle River

Fair

Madison County, Iowa · 2.2 Mi. S of S Jct. Ia 92 · Structure no. 000000000607180

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
293 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,890
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Middle River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Middle River 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 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 1,890 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,890 by 2043. The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 169
CrossesMiddle River
Location2.2 Mi. S of S Jct. Ia 92
RouteU.S. Route 169
StateIowa
Coordinates41.29891, -94.04208
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.6 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length293 ft (89.3 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 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 closed3.1 mi (5 km)
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 Middle River built?

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

What condition is US 169 over Middle 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Middle River carry?

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

How long is US 169 over Middle River?

The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Middle River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.