US Bridges

M 15 over Ditch

Fair

Dakota County, Minnesota · 3.2 MI NE of JCT Csah 66 · Structure no. L4089

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
1993 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 15 over Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M 15 over Ditch in Dakota County, Minnesota. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2029. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 15
CrossesDitch
Location3.2 MI NE of JCT Csah 66
RouteCounty Highway 15
CountyDakota County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.67536, -93.07547
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.2 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (1993)
Projected traffic25 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 M 15 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 15 over Ditch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does M 15 over Ditch carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (1993 count).

How long is M 15 over Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns M 15 over Ditch?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.