US Bridges

I 94 over Sauk River

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 2.4 MI E of Melrose · Structure no. 6870

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,250
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 94 over Sauk River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 94 over Sauk River in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 13,250 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,750 by 2039. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 94
CrossesSauk River
Location2.4 MI E of Melrose
RouteInterstate 94
CountyStearns County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.66469, -94.76133
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,250 (2019)
Projected traffic13,750 by 2039
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 94 over Sauk River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 94 over Sauk River 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 I 94 over Sauk River carry?

About 13,250 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I 94 over Sauk River?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I 94 over Sauk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.