US Bridges

I 35 over Portage River

Fair

Carlton County, Minnesota · 1.1 MI N of JCT TH 73 · Structure no. 09810

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,400
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 35 over Portage River is a concrete culvert carrying I 35 over Portage River in Carlton County, Minnesota. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 16,400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,400 by 2036. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesI 35
CrossesPortage River
Location1.1 MI N of JCT TH 73
RouteInterstate 35
Coordinates46.44972, -92.73277
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum 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 length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,400 (2016)
Projected traffic16,400 by 2036
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 35 over Portage River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 35 over Portage 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 2024.

How much traffic does I 35 over Portage River carry?

About 16,400 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I 35 over Portage River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.8 m).

Who owns I 35 over Portage River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.