US Bridges

Mn 73 over Vaara Creek

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 11.7 MI N of N JCT TH 2 · Structure no. 6739

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
570
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 73 over Vaara Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 73 over Vaara Creek in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 570 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2037. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesMn 73
CrossesVaara Creek
Location11.7 MI N of N JCT TH 2
RouteState Highway 73
Coordinates47.07179, -92.98061
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic570 (2017)
Projected traffic570 by 2037
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$97 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 73 over Vaara Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 73 over Vaara Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 73 over Vaara Creek carry?

About 570 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Mn 73 over Vaara Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Mn 73 over Vaara Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.