Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam
FairLake County, Minnesota · 9.8 MI SE of Ely · Structure no. 6845
- Built
- 1955
- 70 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected May 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 251 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 650
- 2019 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam in Lake County, Minnesota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 660 by 2039. The structure is 251 ft (76.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam built?
It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.
What condition is Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam 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 2024.
How much traffic does Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam carry?
About 650 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.
How long is Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam?
The structure is 251 ft (76.6 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.
Who owns Mn 1 over Birch Lake Dam?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.