US Bridges

US 169 over Ripple River

Good

Aitkin County, Minnesota · 1.75 MI S of JCT TH16; 47 · Structure no. 01X06

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,851
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Ripple River is a concrete culvert carrying US 169 over Ripple River in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,851 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,650 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 169
CrossesRipple River
Location1.75 MI S of JCT TH16; 47
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyAitkin County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.50184, -93.71233
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.6 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,851 (2022)
Projected traffic3,650 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 Ripple River built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Ripple River 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 September 2021.

How much traffic does US 169 over Ripple River carry?

About 2,851 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Ripple River?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m).

Who owns US 169 over Ripple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.