US Bridges

CR 481 over Little Fork River

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 1.3 MI S of JCT TH 1 · Structure no. 69516

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 481 over Little Fork River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying CR 481 over Little Fork River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2039. The structure is 169 ft (51.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 481
CrossesLittle Fork River
Location1.3 MI S of JCT TH 1
RouteCounty Highway 481
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.84459, -92.82629
Functional classRural Local

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.4 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2011)
Projected traffic60 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 481 over Little Fork River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 481 over Little Fork River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does CR 481 over Little Fork River carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is CR 481 over Little Fork River?

The structure is 169 ft (51.4 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns CR 481 over Little Fork River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.