US Bridges

M 34 over Channel

Fair

Washington County, Minnesota · 1.2 MI SE of JCT CR75 · Structure no. L8159

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
128 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
420
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 34 over Channel is a steel truss - thru carrying M 34 over Channel in Washington County, Minnesota. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 420 vehicles a day, projected to reach 390 by 2039. The structure is 128 ft (38.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 34
CrossesChannel
Location1.2 MI SE of JCT CR75
RouteCity Street 34
CountyWashington County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.79113, -92.9797
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length128 ft (38.9 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (2019)
Projected traffic390 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$365 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M 34 over Channel built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 34 over Channel 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does M 34 over Channel carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is M 34 over Channel?

The structure is 128 ft (38.9 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns M 34 over Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.