US Bridges

Mn 55 over Cp Rail

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI SE of Belgrade · Structure no. 5443

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,851
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 55 over Cp Rail is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 55 over Cp Rail in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 3,851 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,850 by 2042. The structure is 156 ft (47.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 55
CrossesCp Rail
Location0.8 MI SE of Belgrade
RouteState Highway 55
CountyStearns County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.45154, -94.99213
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.6 US tons
Inventory rating49.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length156 ft (47.6 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,851 (2022)
Projected traffic3,850 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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 Mn 55 over Cp Rail built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 55 over Cp Rail 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 55 over Cp Rail carry?

About 3,851 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Mn 55 over Cp Rail?

The structure is 156 ft (47.6 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 55 over Cp Rail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.