US Bridges

Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River

PoorPosted for load

Brown County, Minnesota · 1.5 MI N of JCT Csah 20 · Structure no. 6536

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
402
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River in Brown County, Minnesota. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 402 vehicles a day, projected to reach 460 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCsah 5
CrossesLittle Cottonwood River
Location1.5 MI N of JCT Csah 20
RouteCounty Highway 5
CountyBrown County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.1578, -94.96041
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.4 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic402 (2022)
Projected traffic460 by 2042
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 Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River carry?

About 402 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 5 over Little Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.