US Bridges

M 87 over Carsons Bay

Fair

Hennepin County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI NE of JCT TH 7 · Structure no. 27A63

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
347 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,450
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 87 over Carsons Bay is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M 87 over Carsons Bay in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 4,450 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,707 by 2038. The structure is 347 ft (105.9 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 87
CrossesCarsons Bay
Location0.4 MI NE of JCT TH 7
RouteCity Street 87
CountyHennepin County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.92356, -93.53021
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length347 ft (105.9 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.8 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,450 (2018)
Projected traffic4,707 by 2038
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 87 over Carsons Bay built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 87 over Carsons Bay 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does M 87 over Carsons Bay carry?

About 4,450 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is M 87 over Carsons Bay?

The structure is 347 ft (105.9 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.8 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns M 87 over Carsons Bay?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.