US Bridges

CR 159 over Big Cannon River

FairPosted for load

Le Sueur County, Minnesota · 0.3 MI S of JCT Csah 4 · Structure no. 5287

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 159 over Big Cannon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 159 over Big Cannon River in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 159
CrossesBig Cannon River
Location0.3 MI S of JCT Csah 4
RouteCounty Highway 159
CountyLe Sueur County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.35009, -93.54483
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2021)
Projected traffic35 by 2041
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$502 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 159 over Big Cannon River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 159 over Big Cannon 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does CR 159 over Big Cannon River carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is CR 159 over Big Cannon River?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns CR 159 over Big Cannon River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.