US Bridges

Msas 140 over Ship Canal

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI SE of Superior ST · Structure no. L6116

Built
1905
120 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
502 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,143
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Msas 140 over Ship Canal is a steel movable - lift carrying Msas 140 over Ship Canal in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1905 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 120 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 6,143 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,200 by 2042. The structure is 502 ft (152.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMsas 140
CrossesShip Canal
Location0.6 MI SE of Superior ST
RouteCity Street 140
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.77899, -92.09291
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length502 ft (152.9 m)
Longest span386 ft (117.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,143 (2022)
Projected traffic6,200 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Msas 140 over Ship Canal built?

It was built in 1905, making it 120 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Msas 140 over Ship Canal 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 Msas 140 over Ship Canal carry?

About 6,143 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Msas 140 over Ship Canal?

The structure is 502 ft (152.9 m) long with a longest span of 386 ft (117.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Msas 140 over Ship Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.