US Bridges

T 224 over Willow River

FairPosted for load

Aitkin County, Minnesota · 1.0 MI E of JCT TH 169 · Structure no. L5889

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
79 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 224 over Willow River is a wood or timber slab carrying T 224 over Willow River in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 7 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7 by 2029. The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123 mi (198 km).

CarriesT 224
CrossesWillow River
Location1.0 MI E of JCT TH 169
RouteCounty Highway 224
Coordinates46.90111, -93.593
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length79 ft (24 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7 (1986)
Projected traffic7 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123 mi (198 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$30 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 224 over Willow River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 224 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does T 224 over Willow River carry?

About 7 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 224 over Willow River?

The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns T 224 over Willow River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.