US Bridges

US 12 over BNSF Rail

Good

Kandiyohi County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI E of JCT TH 40 · Structure no. 5526

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
232 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over BNSF Rail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 over BNSF Rail in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 9,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,700 by 2038. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 12
CrossesBNSF Rail
Location0.2 MI E of JCT TH 40
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyKandiyohi County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.12047, -95.06077
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating109.8 US tons
Inventory rating66.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,500 (2018)
Projected traffic8,700 by 2038
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 12 over BNSF Rail built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 12 over BNSF Rail 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 12 over BNSF Rail carry?

About 9,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over BNSF Rail?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over BNSF Rail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.