US Bridges

US 169 over Mesabi Trail

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 2.3 MI E of N JCT TH 73 · Structure no. 69075

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
245 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,600
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over Mesabi Trail is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over Mesabi Trail in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,700 by 2039. The structure is 245 ft (74.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 169
CrossesMesabi Trail
Location2.3 MI E of N JCT TH 73
RouteU.S. Route 169
Coordinates47.47498, -92.85436
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.8 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length245 ft (74.8 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2019)
Projected traffic4,700 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Mesabi Trail built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over Mesabi Trail 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 169 over Mesabi Trail carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Mesabi Trail?

The structure is 245 ft (74.8 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Mesabi Trail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.