US Bridges

I 494 over I 35E

Fair

Dakota County, Minnesota · At the JCT TH 494; 35E · Structure no. 19824

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
413 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
47,000
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 494 over I 35E is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 494 over I 35E in Dakota County, Minnesota. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 47,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,000 by 2039. The structure is 413 ft (125.9 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI 494
CrossesI 35E
LocationAt the JCT TH 494; 35E
RouteInterstate 494
CountyDakota County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.86268, -93.14521
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length413 ft (125.9 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.3 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,000 (2019)
Projected traffic49,000 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 494 over I 35E built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 494 over I 35E 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I 494 over I 35E carry?

About 47,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I 494 over I 35E?

The structure is 413 ft (125.9 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.3 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns I 494 over I 35E?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.