US Bridges

CR 51 over Ripple River

Fair

Aitkin County, Minnesota · 1.7 MI N of JCT TH 18 · Structure no. 95612

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
86
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 51 over Ripple River is a concrete culvert carrying CR 51 over Ripple River in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 86 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesCR 51
CrossesRipple River
Location1.7 MI N of JCT TH 18
RouteCounty Highway 51
Coordinates46.38727, -93.6534
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic86 (2022)
Projected traffic90 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR 51 over Ripple River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 51 over Ripple 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does CR 51 over Ripple River carry?

About 86 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is CR 51 over Ripple River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns CR 51 over Ripple River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.