US Bridges

Mn 217 over Little Fork River

Fair

Koochiching County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI E of JCT TH 65 · Structure no. 36001

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
440 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,217
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 217 over Little Fork River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 217 over Little Fork River in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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.

It carries about 1,217 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,450 by 2042. The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 217
CrossesLittle Fork River
Location0.1 MI E of JCT TH 65
RouteState Highway 217
CountyKoochiching County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates48.39364, -93.56175
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length440 ft (134.1 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,217 (2022)
Projected traffic1,450 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1,000 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 217 over Little Fork River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 217 over Little Fork 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 217 over Little Fork River carry?

About 1,217 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Mn 217 over Little Fork River?

The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 217 over Little Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.