US Bridges

Mn 3 over I 494

Fair

Dakota County, Minnesota · 1.0 MI W of JCT TH 52 · Structure no. 19832

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
528 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,427
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 3 over I 494 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 3 over I 494 in Dakota County, Minnesota. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 9,427 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,800 by 2042. The structure is 528 ft (160.8 m) long and 100 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 3
CrossesI 494
Location1.0 MI W of JCT TH 52
RouteState Highway 3
CountyDakota County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.87294, -93.08054
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length528 ft (160.8 m)
Longest span174 ft (53 m)
Deck width100 ft (30.4 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,427 (2022)
Projected traffic8,800 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Mn 3 over I 494 built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 3 over I 494 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 Mn 3 over I 494 carry?

About 9,427 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Mn 3 over I 494?

The structure is 528 ft (160.8 m) long with a longest span of 174 ft (53 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 3 over I 494?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.