US Bridges

CR 253 over Little Knife River

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI E of JCT Csah 41 · Structure no. 69J98

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 253 over Little Knife River is a concrete culvert carrying CR 253 over Little Knife River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7 by 2031. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesCR 253
CrossesLittle Knife River
Location0.2 MI E of JCT Csah 41
RouteCounty Highway 253
Coordinates47.02564, -91.81164
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2011)
Projected traffic7 by 2031
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 253 over Little Knife River built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 253 over Little Knife 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does CR 253 over Little Knife River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is CR 253 over Little Knife River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns CR 253 over Little Knife River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.