US Bridges

Mn 251 over I 35

Fair

Freeborn County, Minnesota · At JCT TH 251 · Structure no. 24801

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
281 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,964
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 251 over I 35 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 251 over I 35 in Freeborn County, Minnesota. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 1,964 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,050 by 2042. The structure is 281 ft (85.8 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 251
CrossesI 35
LocationAt JCT TH 251
RouteState Highway 251
CountyFreeborn County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.76278, -93.31478
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.4 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length281 ft (85.8 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.1 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,964 (2022)
Projected traffic2,050 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 251 over I 35 built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 251 over I 35 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 Mn 251 over I 35 carry?

About 1,964 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Mn 251 over I 35?

The structure is 281 ft (85.8 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.1 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 251 over I 35?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.