US Bridges

Mn 15 over Sauk River

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 2.0 MI N of JCT TH 23 · Structure no. 73028

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
258 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,732
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 15 over Sauk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 15 over Sauk River in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 18,732 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,500 by 2041. The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 15
CrossesSauk River
Location2.0 MI N of JCT TH 23
RouteState Highway 15
CountyStearns County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.5816, -94.20158
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length258 ft (78.6 m)
Longest span85 ft (26 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,732 (2021)
Projected traffic17,500 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 15 over Sauk River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 15 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 15 over Sauk River carry?

About 18,732 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Mn 15 over Sauk River?

The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (26 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 15 over Sauk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.