US Bridges

US 2 over Red River

Fair

Polk County, Minnesota · At N Dakota State Line · Structure no. 9090

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,259 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,475
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 2 over Red River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 2 over Red River in Polk County, Minnesota. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2016, 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 15,475 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,700 by 2041. The structure is 1,259 ft (383.6 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 2
CrossesRed River
LocationAt N Dakota State Line
RouteU.S. Route 2
CountyPolk County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.9333, -97.03719
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+11 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,259 ft (383.6 m)
Longest span279 ft (85 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.5 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,475 (2021)
Projected traffic18,700 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$490 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 2 over Red River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is US 2 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 2 over Red River carry?

About 15,475 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 2 over Red River?

The structure is 1,259 ft (383.6 m) long with a longest span of 279 ft (85 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US 2 over Red River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.