US Bridges

US 169 over BNSF RR Spur

Fair

Itasca County, Minnesota · 1.1 MI W of E. Co. Line · Structure no. 31009

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,650
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over BNSF RR Spur is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over BNSF RR Spur in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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.

It carries about 3,650 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2039. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 169
CrossesBNSF RR Spur
Location1.1 MI W of E. Co. Line
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.39386, -93.0911
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating74.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,650 (2019)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 169 over BNSF RR Spur built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over BNSF RR Spur 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 169 over BNSF RR Spur carry?

About 3,650 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over BNSF RR Spur?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over BNSF RR Spur?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.