US Bridges

Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel

Good

Chippewa County, Minnesota · 4.5 MI SE of TH 40 · Structure no. 12010

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
170 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,651
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,651 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,750 by 2042. The structure is 170 ft (51.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 7
CrossesWatson Sag Channel
Location4.5 MI SE of TH 40
RouteState Highway 7
CountyChippewa County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.05875, -95.85321
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.7 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,651 (2022)
Projected traffic1,750 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel carry?

About 1,651 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel?

The structure is 170 ft (51.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 7 over Watson Sag Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.