US Bridges

US 169 over Pokegama Lake

Fair

Itasca County, Minnesota · 5.1 MI S of W JCT TH 2 · Structure no. 31021

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
261 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,800
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Pokegama Lake is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Pokegama Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 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 8,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,700 by 2039. The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 169
CrossesPokegama Lake
Location5.1 MI S of W JCT TH 2
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.16619, -93.55162
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating61.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length261 ft (79.6 m)
Longest span102 ft (31 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.2 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,800 (2019)
Projected traffic7,700 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 169 over Pokegama Lake built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Pokegama Lake 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Pokegama Lake carry?

About 8,800 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Pokegama Lake?

The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Pokegama Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.