US Bridges

Mn 26 over Root River

Fair

Houston County, Minnesota · 1.1 MI S of JCT TH 16 · Structure no. 28004

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
308 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,636
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 26 over Root River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 26 over Root River in Houston County, Minnesota. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 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 2,636 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,800 by 2042. The structure is 308 ft (93.9 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 26
CrossesRoot River
Location1.1 MI S of JCT TH 16
RouteState Highway 26
CountyHouston County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.77685, -91.29781
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length308 ft (93.9 m)
Longest span152 ft (46.2 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,636 (2022)
Projected traffic2,800 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Mn 26 over Root River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 26 over Root River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 26 over Root River carry?

About 2,636 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Mn 26 over Root River?

The structure is 308 ft (93.9 m) long with a longest span of 152 ft (46.2 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 26 over Root River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.