US Bridges

M 15 over Des Moines River

Good

Jackson County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI E of 3rd ST · Structure no. 32540

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
227 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
1988 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 15 over Des Moines River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M 15 over Des Moines River in Jackson County, Minnesota. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 500 by 2029. The structure is 227 ft (69.3 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesM 15
CrossesDes Moines River
Location0.1 MI E of 3rd ST
RouteCity Street 15
Coordinates43.62379, -94.98688
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length227 ft (69.3 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (1988)
Projected traffic500 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$496 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M 15 over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 15 over Des Moines River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does M 15 over Des Moines River carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (1988 count).

How long is M 15 over Des Moines River?

The structure is 227 ft (69.3 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns M 15 over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.