US Bridges

M 138 over Libbs Channel

Poor

Hennepin County, Minnesota · 0.3 MI E of JCT TH 101 · Structure no. 27559

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
81 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
539
2010 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 138 over Libbs Channel is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying M 138 over Libbs Channel in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 539 vehicles a day, projected to reach 539 by 2030. The structure is 81 ft (24.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 138
CrossesLibbs Channel
Location0.3 MI E of JCT TH 101
RouteCity Street 138
CountyHennepin County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.94843, -93.49271
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length81 ft (24.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic539 (2010)
Projected traffic539 by 2030
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 138 over Libbs Channel built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 138 over Libbs Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does M 138 over Libbs Channel carry?

About 539 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is M 138 over Libbs Channel?

The structure is 81 ft (24.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns M 138 over Libbs Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.