US Bridges

Mn 68 over UP RR

Fair

Blue Earth County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI NW of JCT TH 169 · Structure no. 5513

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,464
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 68 over UP RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 68 over UP RR in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 89 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 6 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 2,464 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,450 by 2041. The structure is 130 ft (39.7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 68
CrossesUP RR
Location0.1 MI NW of JCT TH 169
RouteState Highway 68
CountyBlue Earth County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.15292, -94.06338
Functional classUrban 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating96.1 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length130 ft (39.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,464 (2021)
Projected traffic2,450 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$447 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 68 over UP RR built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Mn 68 over UP RR 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 68 over UP RR carry?

About 2,464 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Mn 68 over UP RR?

The structure is 130 ft (39.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 68 over UP RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.