US Bridges

US 169 over Picha Creek

Fair

Scott County, Minnesota · 2.6 MI S of JCT TH 41 · Structure no. 70X04

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
29,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Picha Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 169 over Picha Creek in Scott County, Minnesota. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 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 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 29,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2038. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 169
CrossesPicha Creek
Location2.6 MI S of JCT TH 41
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyScott County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.7295, -93.5881
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width85 ft (26 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,000 (2018)
Projected traffic27,000 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 169 over Picha Creek built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Picha Creek 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 Picha Creek carry?

About 29,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Picha Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Picha Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.