US Bridges

US 169 over BNSF RR

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 1.9 MI W of JCT TH 73 · Structure no. 69064

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

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 45 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
Coordinates47.3958, -93.00356
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating41.2 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 width45 ft (13.6 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 good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. 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 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.