US Bridges

US 2 over Midway River

Poor

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 9.4 MI S of JCT TH 194 · Structure no. 9280

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 2 over Midway River is a concrete culvert carrying US 2 over Midway River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,500 by 2039. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 2
CrossesMidway River
Location9.4 MI S of JCT TH 194
RouteU.S. Route 2
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.77163, -92.26323
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2019)
Projected traffic5,500 by 2039
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$46 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 2 over Midway River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 2 over Midway River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does US 2 over Midway River carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 2 over Midway River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m).

Who owns US 2 over Midway River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.