US Bridges

I 94 over Clearwater River

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · At Wright CO Line · Structure no. 73843

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,243
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 94 over Clearwater River is a concrete culvert carrying I 94 over Clearwater River in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 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 38,243 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,000 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesI 94
CrossesClearwater River
LocationAt Wright CO Line
RouteInterstate 94
Coordinates45.41322, -94.06084
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,243 (2022)
Projected traffic46,000 by 2042
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Clearwater River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

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

About 38,243 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is I 94 over Clearwater River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns I 94 over Clearwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.