US Bridges

US 2B over Red River

Fair

Polk County, Minnesota · At N Dakota State Line · Structure no. 4700

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
603 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,400
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 2B over Red River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 2B over Red River in Polk County, Minnesota. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 13,400 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2039. The structure is 603 ft (183.7 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 2B
CrossesRed River
LocationAt N Dakota State Line
RouteU.S. Route 2B
CountyPolk County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.92699, -97.02844
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length603 ft (183.7 m)
Longest span279 ft (85 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,400 (2019)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on 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 US 2B over Red River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 2B over Red 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 2B over Red River carry?

About 13,400 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 2B over Red River?

The structure is 603 ft (183.7 m) long with a longest span of 279 ft (85 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 2B over Red River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.