US Bridges

Mn 34 over Otter Tail River

Fair

Becker County, Minnesota · 6.9 MI E of Detroit Lake · Structure no. 5928

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,025
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 34 over Otter Tail River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 34 over Otter Tail River in Becker County, Minnesota. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 5,025 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,100 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesMn 34
CrossesOtter Tail River
Location6.9 MI E of Detroit Lake
RouteState Highway 34
Coordinates46.83274, -95.70189
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,025 (2022)
Projected traffic5,100 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Mn 34 over Otter Tail River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 34 over Otter Tail 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 34 over Otter Tail River carry?

About 5,025 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Mn 34 over Otter Tail River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.8 m).

Who owns Mn 34 over Otter Tail River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.