US Bridges

US 169 over Willow River

Fair

Aitkin County, Minnesota · 6.1 MI S of Jctth 200 · Structure no. 95114

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,485
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Willow River is a concrete culvert carrying US 169 over Willow 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 2,485 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2041. The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 169
CrossesWillow River
Location6.1 MI S of Jctth 200
RouteU.S. Route 169
Coordinates46.90285, -93.61405
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior 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 length52 ft (15.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,485 (2021)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Willow River built?

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

What condition is US 169 over Willow 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Willow River carry?

About 2,485 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Willow River?

The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 169 over Willow River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.