US Bridges

Mn 1 over Bear Island River

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 6.2 MI S of Ely · Structure no. 8765

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,175
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 1 over Bear Island River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 1 over Bear Island River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 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 1,175 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,150 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesMn 1
CrossesBear Island River
Location6.2 MI S of Ely
RouteState Highway 1
Coordinates47.83196, -91.83704
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,175 (2022)
Projected traffic1,150 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$70 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 1 over Bear Island River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 1 over Bear Island 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 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 1 over Bear Island River carry?

About 1,175 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Mn 1 over Bear Island River?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Mn 1 over Bear Island River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.