US Bridges

Ut 253 over Bowstring River

Fair

Itasca County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI N of JCT Csah 48 · Structure no. 31531

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
49
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ut 253 over Bowstring River is a wood or timber slab carrying Ut 253 over Bowstring River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 5 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 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUt 253
CrossesBowstring River
Location0.8 MI N of JCT Csah 48
RouteCounty Highway 253
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.49795, -93.73893
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.3 US tons
Inventory rating71.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (2021)
Projected traffic30 by 2041
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ut 253 over Bowstring River built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ut 253 over Bowstring 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Ut 253 over Bowstring River carry?

About 49 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Ut 253 over Bowstring River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Ut 253 over Bowstring River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.