US Bridges

Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek

Fair

Blue Earth County, Minnesota · 3.5 MI W of Mankato · Structure no. 6357

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,464
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 2,464 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,450 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 68
CrossesMinneopa Creek
Location3.5 MI W of Mankato
RouteState Highway 68
CountyBlue Earth County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.15315, -94.08269
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,464 (2021)
Projected traffic2,450 by 2041
Trucks7%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$75 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek carry?

About 2,464 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns Mn 68 over Minneopa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.