US Bridges

US 8 over ST Croix River

Fair

Chisago County, Minnesota · At Wisconsin State Line · Structure no. 6566

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
406 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,300
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 8 over ST Croix River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 8 over ST Croix River in Chisago County, Minnesota. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 70 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 13,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,900 by 2038. The structure is 406 ft (123.7 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

CarriesUS 8
CrossesST Croix River
LocationAt Wisconsin State Line
RouteU.S. Route 8
Coordinates45.40191, -92.65042
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length406 ft (123.7 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,300 (2018)
Projected traffic13,900 by 2038
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 US 8 over ST Croix River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is US 8 over ST Croix 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 8 over ST Croix River carry?

About 13,300 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 8 over ST Croix River?

The structure is 406 ft (123.7 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns US 8 over ST Croix River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.