US Bridges

Mn 6 over Bowstring River

Good

Itasca County, Minnesota · 15.6 MI N of Deer River · Structure no. 91031

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 6 over Bowstring River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 6 over Bowstring River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2039. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

CarriesMn 6
CrossesBowstring River
Location15.6 MI N of Deer River
RouteState Highway 6
Coordinates47.53721, -93.79572
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2019)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2039
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 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 6 over Bowstring River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 6 over Bowstring River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 6 over Bowstring River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Mn 6 over Bowstring River?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Mn 6 over Bowstring River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.