US Bridges

T 551 over ST Louis River

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI E of JCT CR 341 · Structure no. 69531

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
147 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
1985 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 551 over ST Louis River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying T 551 over ST Louis River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2029. The structure is 147 ft (44.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesT 551
CrossesST Louis River
Location0.6 MI E of JCT CR 341
RouteCounty Highway 551
Coordinates47.46125, -92.30527
Functional classRural Local

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length147 ft (44.7 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1985)
Projected traffic100 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 T 551 over ST Louis River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 551 over ST Louis River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does T 551 over ST Louis River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1985 count).

How long is T 551 over ST Louis River?

The structure is 147 ft (44.7 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns T 551 over ST Louis River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.