US Bridges

US 169 over Ripple River

Fair

Aitkin County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI S of JCT TH 47 · Structure no. 2470

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,627
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 1931, so it is 94 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 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 5,627 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,800 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 169
CrossesRipple River
Location0.2 MI S of JCT TH 47
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyAitkin County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.52372, -93.70711
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.2 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 traffic5,627 (2022)
Projected traffic7,800 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Ripple 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 169 over Ripple River carry?

About 5,627 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Ripple River?

The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 169 over Ripple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.