US Bridges

CR 159 over I 94

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 7.9 MI NW of JCT TH 23 · Structure no. 73872

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
279 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,700
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 159 over I 94 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 159 over I 94 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 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 4,700 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,700 by 2039. The structure is 279 ft (85 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 159
CrossesI 94
Location7.9 MI NW of JCT TH 23
RouteCounty Highway 159
CountyStearns County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.60105, -94.38932
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.5 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length279 ft (85 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,700 (2013)
Projected traffic4,700 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 159 over I 94 built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 159 over I 94 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does CR 159 over I 94 carry?

About 4,700 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is CR 159 over I 94?

The structure is 279 ft (85 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns CR 159 over I 94?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.