US Bridges

Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion River

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 5.4 MI W of JCT Csah 24 · Structure no. 090906000001035

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
169 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
47
1990 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 47 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2045. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

CarriesVermilion Falls RD
CrossesVermilion River
Location5.4 MI W of JCT Csah 24
RouteFederal Lands Road 491
Coordinates48.2646, -92.5658
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span82 ft (25.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47 (1990)
Projected traffic70 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion River carry?

About 47 vehicles per day (1990 count).

How long is Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion River?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Vermilion Falls RD over Vermilion River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.