US Bridges

Mn 4 over Cottonwood River

Good

Brown County, Minnesota · 7.5 MI S of Sleepy Eye · Structure no. 8814

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,057
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 4 over Cottonwood River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 4 over Cottonwood River in Brown County, Minnesota. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,057 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesMn 4
CrossesCottonwood River
Location7.5 MI S of Sleepy Eye
RouteState Highway 4
Coordinates44.18744, -94.72181
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal 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 spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,057 (2022)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2042
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$108 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 4 over Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 4 over Cottonwood River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 4 over Cottonwood River carry?

About 1,057 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is Mn 4 over Cottonwood River?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Mn 4 over Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.