US Bridges

M 56 over ST Albans Bay

PoorPosted for load

Hennepin County, Minnesota · 0.5 MI N of JCT TH 7 · Structure no. 90608

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,400
1993 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 56 over ST Albans Bay is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying M 56 over ST Albans Bay in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,400 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,400 by 2029. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 56
CrossesST Albans Bay
Location0.5 MI N of JCT TH 7
RouteCity Street 56
CountyHennepin County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.90571, -93.55894
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,400 (1993)
Projected traffic4,400 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$500 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M 56 over ST Albans Bay built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 56 over ST Albans Bay 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does M 56 over ST Albans Bay carry?

About 4,400 vehicles per day (1993 count).

How long is M 56 over ST Albans Bay?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns M 56 over ST Albans Bay?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.