US Bridges

M 344 over Dempsey Creek

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 0.7 MI W of JCT CSAH5 · Structure no. L6066

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4
1969 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 344 over Dempsey Creek is a steel culvert carrying M 344 over Dempsey Creek in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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 4 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4 by 2029. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 344
CrossesDempsey Creek
Location0.7 MI W of JCT CSAH5
RouteCity Street 344
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.35473, -92.82429
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
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4 (1969)
Projected traffic4 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 M 344 over Dempsey Creek built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 344 over Dempsey Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does M 344 over Dempsey Creek carry?

About 4 vehicles per day (1969 count).

How long is M 344 over Dempsey Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m).

Who owns M 344 over Dempsey Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.