US Bridges

US 59 over BNSF RR

Good

Polk County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI S of JCT TH 2 · Structure no. 60007

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
142 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,550
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over BNSF RR in Polk County, Minnesota. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 1,550 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,650 by 2039. The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.1 MI S of JCT TH 2
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates47.65979, -95.98327
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length142 ft (43.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,550 (2019)
Projected traffic1,650 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 59 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over BNSF RR 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 over BNSF RR carry?

About 1,550 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.