US Bridges

I 35 over TH 21

Fair

Rice County, Minnesota · 2.1 MI N of JCT TH 60 · Structure no. 66817

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
285 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,750
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 35 over TH 21 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 35 over TH 21 in Rice County, Minnesota. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 16,750 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,750 by 2039. The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long and 52 ft wide.

CarriesI 35
CrossesTH 21
Location2.1 MI N of JCT TH 60
RouteInterstate 35
Coordinates44.32069, -93.29987
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.3 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length285 ft (86.9 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,750 (2016)
Projected traffic16,750 by 2039
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$633 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 35 over TH 21 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 35 over TH 21 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I 35 over TH 21 carry?

About 16,750 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is I 35 over TH 21?

The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns I 35 over TH 21?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.