US Bridges

Mn 4 over Elm Creek

Fair

Martin County, Minnesota · 3.0 MI N of JCT TH 90 · Structure no. 6504

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,076
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 4 over Elm Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 4 over Elm Creek in Martin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,076 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,050 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 4
CrossesElm Creek
Location3.0 MI N of JCT TH 90
RouteState Highway 4
CountyMartin County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.70988, -94.73396
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.1 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,076 (2022)
Projected traffic2,050 by 2042
Trucks9%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 4 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 4 over Elm Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 4 over Elm Creek carry?

About 2,076 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Mn 4 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 4 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.