US Bridges

I 494 over UP Railroad Hardman Ave

Fair

Dakota County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI E of JCT TH 156 · Structure no. 19896

Built
1988
37 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
260 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
103,528
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 494 over UP Railroad Hardman Ave is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 494 over UP Railroad Hardman Ave in Dakota County, Minnesota. It was built in 1988 and reconstructed in 2002, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 103,528 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 122,000 by 2042. The structure is 260 ft (79.4 m) long and 164 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI 494
CrossesUP Railroad Hardman Ave
Location0.4 MI E of JCT TH 156
RouteInterstate 494
CountyDakota County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.88048, -93.02447
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 rating79.6 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.4 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.8 m)
Deck width164 ft (50 m)
Roadway width162 ft (49.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic103,528 (2022)
Projected traffic122,000 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
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 UP Railroad Hardman Ave built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is I 494 over UP Railroad Hardman Ave 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I 494 over UP Railroad Hardman Ave carry?

About 103,528 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I 494 over UP Railroad Hardman Ave?

The structure is 260 ft (79.4 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.8 m) and a deck 164 ft wide.

Who owns I 494 over UP Railroad Hardman Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.