US Bridges

Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake

Poor

Itasca County, Minnesota · 1.7 MI W of JCT US 169 · Structure no. 7146

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
51 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,560
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake is a wood or timber slab carrying Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake 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 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.

It carries about 1,560 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,350 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCsah 17
CrossesPokegama Lake
Location1.7 MI W of JCT US 169
RouteCounty Highway 17
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.13653, -93.6009
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.3 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,560 (2022)
Projected traffic1,350 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$954 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake built?

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

What condition is Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake carry?

About 1,560 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 17 over Pokegama Lake?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.