US Bridges

Mn 16 over Root River

Fair

Houston County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI N of JCT TH 44 · Structure no. 28012

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
321 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,319
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 16 over Root River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 16 over Root River in Houston 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 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 7,319 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,100 by 2042. The structure is 321 ft (97.8 m) long and 91 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 16
CrossesRoot River
Location0.2 MI N of JCT TH 44
RouteState Highway 16
CountyHouston County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.7658, -91.34499
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.4 US tons
Inventory rating51.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length321 ft (97.8 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width91 ft (27.8 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,319 (2022)
Projected traffic8,100 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 16 over Root River built?

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

What condition is Mn 16 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 16 over Root River carry?

About 7,319 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Mn 16 over Root River?

The structure is 321 ft (97.8 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 91 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 16 over Root River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.