US Bridges

US 169 over Ripple River

Fair

Aitkin County, Minnesota · 0.3 MI S of S JCT TH 210 · Structure no. 4874

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,300
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Ripple River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Ripple River in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 8,300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,900 by 2038. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 169
CrossesRipple River
Location0.3 MI S of S JCT TH 210
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyAitkin County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.52956, -93.70724
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,300 (2018)
Projected traffic8,900 by 2038
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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$133 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 169 over Ripple River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 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 8,300 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Ripple River?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Ripple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.