US Bridges

CR 254 over Rice River

FairPosted for load

Itasca County, Minnesota · 1.0 MI E of JCT TH 38 · Structure no. 88215

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
53 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
67
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 254 over Rice River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 254 over Rice River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 67 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 254
CrossesRice River
Location1.0 MI E of JCT TH 38
RouteCounty Highway 254
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.6744, -93.65488
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67 (2021)
Projected traffic55 by 2041
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$675 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 254 over Rice River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 254 over Rice 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does CR 254 over Rice River carry?

About 67 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is CR 254 over Rice River?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CR 254 over Rice River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.