US Bridges

I 35 over Albert Lea Lake

Fair

Freeborn County, Minnesota · 1.4 MI N of JCT TH 65 · Structure no. 24828

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,275 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
11,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 35 over Albert Lea Lake is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 35 over Albert Lea Lake in Freeborn County, Minnesota. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 11,200 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,950 by 2039. The structure is 1,275 ft (388.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesI 35
CrossesAlbert Lea Lake
Location1.4 MI N of JCT TH 65
RouteInterstate 35
CountyFreeborn County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.62733, -93.32874
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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,275 ft (388.6 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.6 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,200 (2019)
Projected traffic11,950 by 2039
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 35 over Albert Lea Lake built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 35 over Albert Lea Lake 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 35 over Albert Lea Lake carry?

About 11,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is I 35 over Albert Lea Lake?

The structure is 1,275 ft (388.6 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.6 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I 35 over Albert Lea Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.