US Bridges

M 8 over Welcome Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Itasca County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI W of CO Line · Structure no. 88167

Built
1919
106 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
1986 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 8 over Welcome Creek is a concrete slab carrying M 8 over Welcome Creek in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1919, so it is 106 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 3 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2029. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 8
CrossesWelcome Creek
Location0.1 MI W of CO Line
RouteCity Street 8
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.39354, -93.0701
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating7.2 US tons
Inventory rating3.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (1986)
Projected traffic10 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$200 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M 8 over Welcome Creek built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 8 over Welcome Creek 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 2022.

How much traffic does M 8 over Welcome Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is M 8 over Welcome Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns M 8 over Welcome Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.