US Bridges

CR 43 over Elk River

Fair

Benton County, Minnesota · 0.9 MI W of JCT Csah 3 · Structure no. 05531

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
128 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
235
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 43 over Elk River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying CR 43 over Elk River in Benton County, Minnesota. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 235 vehicles a day, projected to reach 160 by 2039. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 43
CrossesElk River
Location0.9 MI W of JCT Csah 3
RouteCounty Highway 43
CountyBenton County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.6911, -94.01884
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.6 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2019)
Projected traffic160 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 43 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 43 over Elk 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does CR 43 over Elk River carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is CR 43 over Elk River?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns CR 43 over Elk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.