US Bridges

Csah 4 over Kettle River

PoorPosted for load

Carlton County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI E of JCT Csah 21 · Structure no. L1189

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
278
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 4 over Kettle River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Csah 4 over Kettle River in Carlton County, Minnesota. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 278 vehicles a day, projected to reach 260 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCsah 4
CrossesKettle River
Location0.4 MI E of JCT Csah 21
RouteCounty Highway 4
CountyCarlton County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.59235, -92.82223
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic278 (2022)
Projected traffic260 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$480 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 4 over Kettle River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 4 over Kettle River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Csah 4 over Kettle River carry?

About 278 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Csah 4 over Kettle River?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 4 over Kettle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.