US Bridges

US 61 over Channel

Fair

Ramsey County, Minnesota · 0.9 MI SW of JCT TH 36 · Structure no. 6693

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
145 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,462
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Channel is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 61 over Channel in Ramsey County, Minnesota. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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.

It carries about 19,462 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,000 by 2042. The structure is 145 ft (44.1 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 61
CrossesChannel
Location0.9 MI SW of JCT TH 36
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyRamsey County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.00033, -93.06419
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.4 US tons
Inventory rating34.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length145 ft (44.1 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.8 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.7 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,462 (2022)
Projected traffic24,000 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 US 61 over Channel built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over Channel 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 61 over Channel carry?

About 19,462 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Channel?

The structure is 145 ft (44.1 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.8 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 61 over Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.