US Bridges

US 169 over BNSF RR

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 1.9 MI W of JCT TH 73 · Structure no. 69063

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,712
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over BNSF RR in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 4,712 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,200 by 2041. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesUS 169
CrossesBNSF RR
Location1.9 MI W of JCT TH 73
RouteU.S. Route 169
Coordinates47.39616, -93.00357
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,712 (2021)
Projected traffic5,200 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 169 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over BNSF RR 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 US 169 over BNSF RR carry?

About 4,712 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.