US Bridges

Mn 217 over Rat Root River

Fair

Koochiching County, Minnesota · 10.5 MI E of Little Fork · Structure no. 9028

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
214
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 217 over Rat Root River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 217 over Rat Root River in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 69 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 6 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 214 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 305 by 2042. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 217
CrossesRat Root River
Location10.5 MI E of Little Fork
RouteState Highway 217
CountyKoochiching County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates48.40552, -93.35169
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic214 (2022)
Projected traffic305 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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$318 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 217 over Rat Root River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is Mn 217 over Rat Root 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 217 over Rat Root River carry?

About 214 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Mn 217 over Rat Root River?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 217 over Rat Root River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.