US Bridges

I 35 over BNSF RR

Fair

Carlton County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI W of JCT TH 45 · Structure no. 09804

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
189 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,305
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 35 over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 35 over BNSF RR in Carlton County, Minnesota. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 10,305 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,750 by 2042. The structure is 189 ft (57.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesI 35
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.1 MI W of JCT TH 45
RouteInterstate 35
CountyCarlton County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.69948, -92.42957
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length189 ft (57.5 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,305 (2022)
Projected traffic9,750 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$584 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 35 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 35 over BNSF 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I 35 over BNSF RR carry?

About 10,305 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is I 35 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 189 ft (57.5 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I 35 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.