US Bridges

Mn 15 over BNSF RR

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI N of JCT TH 23 · Structure no. 73026

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
224 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,000
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 15 over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 15 over BNSF RR in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 19,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,250 by 2039. The structure is 224 ft (68.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 15
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.6 MI N of JCT TH 23
RouteState Highway 15
CountyStearns County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.56219, -94.20579
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating109.8 US tons
Inventory rating72 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length224 ft (68.2 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,000 (2019)
Projected traffic18,250 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$692 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 15 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 15 over BNSF RR 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 15 over BNSF RR carry?

About 19,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Mn 15 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 224 ft (68.2 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 15 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.