I 494 over Minnesota River
PoorHennepin County, Minnesota · 2.0 MI E of JCT TH 77 · Structure no. 9217W
- Built
- 1981
- 44 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected July 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 4,394 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 44,357
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I 494 over Minnesota River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 494 over Minnesota River in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 44,357 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,000 by 2042. The structure is 4,394 ft (1,339.2 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I 494 over Minnesota River built?
It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.
What condition is I 494 over Minnesota River 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 I 494 over Minnesota River carry?
About 44,357 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.
How long is I 494 over Minnesota River?
The structure is 4,394 ft (1,339.2 m) long with a longest span of 260 ft (79.2 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.
Who owns I 494 over Minnesota River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.