US Bridges

Mn 46 over Channel

Fair

Itasca County, Minnesota · 18.4 MI NW of Deer River · Structure no. 6866

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
124 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,050
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 46 over Channel is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 46 over Channel in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 1,050 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 920 by 2039. The structure is 124 ft (37.7 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 46
CrossesChannel
Location18.4 MI NW of Deer River
RouteState Highway 46
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.51626, -94.04409
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating109.8 US tons
Inventory rating84.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length124 ft (37.7 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,050 (2019)
Projected traffic920 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 46 over Channel built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 46 over Channel 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 46 over Channel carry?

About 1,050 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Mn 46 over Channel?

The structure is 124 ft (37.7 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 46 over Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.