US Bridges

US 169 over Hill River

Good

Aitkin County, Minnesota · 0.5 MI S of JCT TH 200 · Structure no. 91863

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,877
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Hill River is a concrete culvert carrying US 169 over Hill River in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, older 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 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 2,877 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,300 by 2041. The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.1 mi (87 km).

CarriesUS 169
CrossesHill River
Location0.5 MI S of JCT TH 200
RouteU.S. Route 169
Coordinates46.97904, -93.60419
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.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,877 (2021)
Projected traffic2,300 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed54.1 mi (87 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 Hill River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Hill 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Hill River carry?

About 2,877 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Hill River?

The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns US 169 over Hill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.