US Bridges

US 169 over TH 21

Fair

Scott County, Minnesota · At JCT TH 21 · Structure no. 6804

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,500
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over TH 21 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over TH 21 in Scott County, Minnesota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 21,500 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,500 by 2036. The structure is 159 ft (48.6 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 169
CrossesTH 21
LocationAt JCT TH 21
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyScott County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.67423, -93.62637
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.4 US tons
Inventory rating48.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length159 ft (48.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,500 (2016)
Projected traffic21,500 by 2036
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$1,000 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 169 over TH 21 built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over TH 21 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over TH 21 carry?

About 21,500 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over TH 21?

The structure is 159 ft (48.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over TH 21?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.