US Bridges

I 94 over Sauk River

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI SE of JCT TH 71 · Structure no. 73805

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,608
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 94 over Sauk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 94 over Sauk River in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 11,608 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,350 by 2042. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 94
CrossesSauk River
Location0.8 MI SE of JCT TH 71
RouteInterstate 94
CountyStearns County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.71562, -94.9375
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.9 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,608 (2022)
Projected traffic12,350 by 2042
Trucks13%
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 1965, making it 60 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 11,608 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% 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 41 ft wide.

Who owns I 94 over Sauk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.