US Bridges

Mn 22 over Le Sueur River

Fair

Blue Earth County, Minnesota · 4.0 MI S of JCT TH 83 · Structure no. 6497

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
175 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 22 over Le Sueur River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 22 over Le Sueur River in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,300 by 2039. The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 22
CrossesLe Sueur River
Location4.0 MI S of JCT TH 83
RouteState Highway 22
CountyBlue Earth County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.09098, -93.95437
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length175 ft (53.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2019)
Projected traffic5,300 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$603 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 22 over Le Sueur River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 22 over Le Sueur 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 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 22 over Le Sueur River carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Mn 22 over Le Sueur River?

The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 22 over Le Sueur River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.