US Bridges

I 94 over Elm Creek

Fair

Hennepin County, Minnesota · 1.9 MI NW of JCT TH 494 · Structure no. 27969

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
56,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 94 over Elm Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 94 over Elm Creek in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2002, 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 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 56,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 58,500 by 2042. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 77 ft wide.

CarriesI 94
CrossesElm Creek
Location1.9 MI NW of JCT TH 494
RouteInterstate 94
Coordinates45.11604, -93.47749
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.6 m)
Roadway width74 ft (22.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic56,500 (2022)
Projected traffic58,500 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 94 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is I 94 over Elm 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I 94 over Elm Creek carry?

About 56,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I 94 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns I 94 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.