Spur US 169 is a spur that runs about a quarter of a mile from US 169 in Smithville. The junction (left) is indicated only for northbound traffic, which is curious because the junction is almost at the north city line of Smithville and the spur route (right) goes back south almost into downtown Smithville.
From all indications, the spur route is a remnant of an earlier route of US 169 through Smithville, including its central business district. Present-day US 169 goes through Smithville, but bypasses the downtown area.
These photos were taken in October 2003.