US Bridges

Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel

Fair

Chippewa County, Minnesota · 1 Mile NE of Watson Mn. · Structure no. 000000000006390

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
181 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
308
2022 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 87 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 308 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 265 by 2041. The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCsah 9
CrossesWatson Sag Channel
Location1 Mile NE of Watson Mn.
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyChippewa County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.02475, -95.7978
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating16.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length181 ft (55.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic308 (2022)
Projected traffic265 by 2041
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$254,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel 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 2023.

How much traffic does Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel carry?

About 308 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel?

The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 9 over Watson Sag Channel?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil) and maintained by the County Highway Agency.