US Bridges

US 169 over Mesabi Trail

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 2.3 MI E of N JCT TH 73 · Structure no. 69076

Built
1979
46 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 1979, so it is 46 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 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,700 by 2039. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 44 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
Coordinates47.47475, -92.85416
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 inspectionJune 2023
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 rating85 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2019)
Projected traffic4,700 by 2039
Trucks5%
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 1979, making it 46 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 5% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over Mesabi Trail?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over Mesabi Trail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.