US Bridges

I 94 over Sauk River

Poor

Stearns County, Minnesota · 2.5 MI NW of Melrose · Structure no. 73809

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,250
2017 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 14,250 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,250 by 2037. 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).

CarriesI 94
CrossesSauk River
Location2.5 MI NW of Melrose
RouteInterstate 94
Coordinates45.68554, -94.8571
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating61.6 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

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 traffic14,250 (2017)
Projected traffic14,250 by 2037
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 poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does I 94 over Sauk River carry?

About 14,250 vehicles per day (2017 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.