US Bridges

I 94 over Sauk River

Good

Stearns County, Minnesota · 1.6 MI NW of JCT TH 23 · Structure no. 73866

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
299 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,485
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 94 over Sauk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 94 over Sauk River in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 10,485 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,750 by 2041. The structure is 299 ft (91.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesI 94
CrossesSauk River
Location1.6 MI NW of JCT TH 23
RouteInterstate 94
Coordinates45.52942, -94.31009
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.4 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length299 ft (91.2 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,485 (2021)
Projected traffic13,750 by 2041
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 94 over Sauk River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does I 94 over Sauk River carry?

About 10,485 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is I 94 over Sauk River?

The structure is 299 ft (91.2 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I 94 over Sauk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.