US Bridges

US 169 over Blue Earth River

Fair

Blue Earth County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI W of JCT TH 66 · Structure no. 07039

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
416 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,762
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Blue Earth River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Blue Earth River in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 11,762 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,100 by 2042. The structure is 416 ft (126.7 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 169
CrossesBlue Earth River
Location0.8 MI W of JCT TH 66
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyBlue Earth County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.15448, -94.03294
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length416 ft (126.7 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.2 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,762 (2022)
Projected traffic11,100 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Blue Earth River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Blue Earth 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 169 over Blue Earth River carry?

About 11,762 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Blue Earth River?

The structure is 416 ft (126.7 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.2 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Blue Earth River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.