US Bridges

Mn 16 over Crystal Creek

Poor

Houston County, Minnesota · 5.1 MI E of E JCT TH 76 · Structure no. 5848

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
124 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,564
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 16 over Crystal Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 16 over Crystal Creek in Houston County, Minnesota. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 1,564 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,050 by 2042. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 16
CrossesCrystal Creek
Location5.1 MI E of E JCT TH 76
RouteState Highway 16
CountyHouston County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.77223, -91.47664
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,564 (2022)
Projected traffic2,050 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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$427 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 16 over Crystal Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 16 over Crystal Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 16 over Crystal Creek carry?

About 1,564 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Mn 16 over Crystal Creek?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 16 over Crystal Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.