US Bridges

Mn 61 over Beaver River

Fair

Lake County, Minnesota · In Beaver Bay · Structure no. 9395

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
309 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,217
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 61 over Beaver River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 61 over Beaver River in Lake County, Minnesota. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 67 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 4,217 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,700 by 2042. The structure is 309 ft (94.2 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 61
CrossesBeaver River
LocationIn Beaver Bay
RouteState Highway 61
CountyLake County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.26021, -91.29572
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length309 ft (94.2 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,217 (2022)
Projected traffic4,700 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 61 over Beaver River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is Mn 61 over Beaver 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 61 over Beaver River carry?

About 4,217 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Mn 61 over Beaver River?

The structure is 309 ft (94.2 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 61 over Beaver River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.