US Bridges

Spr 20 over Baptism River

PoorPosted for load

Lake County, Minnesota · SW of Bridge 38007 · Structure no. 3459

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
383 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
1985 count
Owner
State
State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Spr 20 over Baptism River is a steel truss - deck carrying Spr 20 over Baptism River in Lake County, Minnesota. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2029. The structure is 383 ft (116.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSpr 20
CrossesBaptism River
LocationSW of Bridge 38007
RouteState Lands Road 20
Coordinates47.33714, -91.1999
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating29.5 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length383 ft (116.7 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1985)
Projected traffic100 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Maintained byState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$964 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spr 20 over Baptism River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Spr 20 over Baptism River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Spr 20 over Baptism River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1985 count).

How long is Spr 20 over Baptism River?

The structure is 383 ft (116.7 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Spr 20 over Baptism River?

It is owned by the State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency.