US Bridges

Mn 65 over Bear River

Good

Itasca County, Minnesota · 6.5 MI S of W JCT TH 1 · Structure no. 96222

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
196
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 65 over Bear River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 65 over Bear River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 196 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 245 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.9 mi (90 km).

CarriesMn 65
CrossesBear River
Location6.5 MI S of W JCT TH 1
RouteState Highway 65
Coordinates47.7445, -93.19061
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionMay 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic196 (2022)
Projected traffic245 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.9 mi (90 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 65 over Bear River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 65 over Bear 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 65 over Bear River carry?

About 196 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Mn 65 over Bear River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns Mn 65 over Bear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.