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OTVR I-94 Underpass

Through Plate Girder bridge over Interstate 94
Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, Minnesota

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Name OTVR I-94 Underpass
Built By Northern Pacific Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Otter Tail Valley Railroad
Length 374 Feet Total, 105 Foot Largest Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 20 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Through Plate Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1961
Traffic Count 1 Train/Day (Estimated)
Current Status Barely Used
NP Bridge Number 52
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date March 2013
This line is a spur of the old Northern Pacific, Fergus and Black Hills line from Wadena to Breckenridge. It was built in 1881-82, and OTVR took over the area near Fergus Falls in the 1990s.


This bridge is an early interstate bridge over I-94/US-52/US-59/MN-210 near Fergus Falls at exit #54.
Built in 1961, the bridge represents one of the earliest sections of I-94 in Minnesota completed. The bridge consists of four through girder spans, set onto concrete piers.
It is believed that this was the first section of I-94 completed in Minnesota. A Minnesota Highway Department newsletter shows the progress of I-94 in Fergus Falls during 1962.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Without the need for expanding I-94 at this location, this bridge should survive for years to come.

The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design but early interstate status.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date 2012 National Bridge Inventory
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele