US Bridges

Csah 16 over Elk River

PoorPosted for load

Sherburne County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI W of JCT CSAH20 · Structure no. 71511

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 16 over Elk River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Csah 16 over Elk River in Sherburne County, Minnesota. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,300 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,150 by 2038. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesCsah 16
CrossesElk River
Location0.1 MI W of JCT CSAH20
RouteCounty Highway 16
Coordinates45.48663, -94.00716
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating21.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2018)
Projected traffic2,150 by 2038
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Csah 16 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 16 over Elk River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Csah 16 over Elk River carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Csah 16 over Elk River?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 16 over Elk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.