US Bridges

US 169 over TH 73 NB

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · At the N JCT TH 169; 73 · Structure no. 69084

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
125 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,990
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 169 over TH 73 NB is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 169 over TH 73 NB 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 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 3,990 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,950 by 2041. The structure is 125 ft (38 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 169
CrossesTH 73 NB
LocationAt the N JCT TH 169; 73
RouteU.S. Route 169
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.48001, -92.89832
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating109.8 US tons
Inventory rating69.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,990 (2021)
Projected traffic3,950 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 TH 73 NB built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 169 over TH 73 NB 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 169 over TH 73 NB carry?

About 3,990 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 169 over TH 73 NB?

The structure is 125 ft (38 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 169 over TH 73 NB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.