US Bridges

M 16 over Bitter Creek

FairPosted for load

Goodhue County, Minnesota · In Zumbrota · Structure no. L5390

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
1986 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 16 over Bitter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M 16 over Bitter Creek in Goodhue County, Minnesota. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,000 by 2029. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 16
CrossesBitter Creek
LocationIn Zumbrota
RouteCity Street 16
CountyGoodhue County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.29294, -92.67041
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (1986)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 16 over Bitter Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 16 over Bitter Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does M 16 over Bitter Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is M 16 over Bitter Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M 16 over Bitter Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.