US 169 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Ringgold County, Iowa · 0.1 Mi. S of SR J-25 · Structure no. 000000000700360

Built: 1937; 88 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition: Good; inspected January 2023
Type: Culvert; Concrete Continuous
Length: 22 ft; 2 main spans
Daily traffic: 1,020; 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 Ringgold County, Iowa. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 88 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,020 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,020 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 169

CrossesDrainage Ditch

Location0.1 Mi. S of SR J-25

RouteU.S. Route 169

CountyRinggold County

StateIowa

Coordinates40.78172, -94.22388

Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Channel and channel protection	8 Very Good	No problems noted.
Culvert	7 Good	Some minor problems.

Last inspectionJanuary 2023

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

Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria

Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Operating rating27 US tons

Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert

MaterialConcrete Continuous

DeckNot applicable

Main spans2

Design loadH 20

Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)

Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)

Deck width0 ft (0 m)

Roadway width0 ft (0 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,020 (2022)

Projected traffic1,020 by 2042

Trucks25%

Lanes on structure2

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is US 169 over Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,020 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 169 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.